Based on research, vitamin E may play a role in maintaining the balance of female sex hormones and in the treatment of many hormonal problems. Details in the article.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce, so it must be supplemented from an external source – through nutrition or dietary supplements. It has remarkable antioxidant properties, i.e. it effectively neutralizes cell-destroying atoms, molecules and ions (commonly known as free radicals). However, its beneficial effect does not end there: based on research, it can play a role in maintaining the balance of female sex hormones and in the treatment of many hormonal problems!
Vitamin E, the antioxidant
Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals , the formation of which can be caused by several factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, smoking, excess weight, air pollution, etc. Numerous scientific studies have already proven that oxidative stress can cause infertility and hormonal disorders in both women and men.
In addition, it is also a proven fact that hormone-acting substances present in everyday life (endocrine disruptors) are also common causes of these problems, as they can damage the functioning of the endocrine glands that produce hormones to an incredible extent.
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Since it is fat-soluble, it is able to integrate into the cell membrane, stabilize and protect it against hormone-destroying toxins (e.g. heavy metals, BPA, phthalates, solvents) and other influences that damage the hormonal system (e.g. drugs, radiation, stress).
Vitamin E, anti-inflammatory
In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can also help reduce inflammation. This is important, as hormonal imbalance is often rooted in chronic inflammation . Inflammation can damage and destroy the cells of the endocrine glands – knowing this, it is not surprising that inflammation is present to some degree in most hormonal problems (e.g. PCOS, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance).
Vitamin E, the hormone balancer
Vitamin E is not a hormone, but it can have a hormone- like effect in the body , exactly like progesterone. Evidence suggests that progesterone levels increase significantly in women taking vitamin E. Research has also shown that low levels of vitamin E in the blood are associated with elevated estrogen levels.
Vitamin E is essentially an estrogen antagonist compound: it promotes the breakdown and removal of estrogen from the body, and it protects progesterone by neutralizing the harmful effects of estrogen.
In a 2009 clinical trial, 18 women diagnosed with luteal phase insufficiency (LPD) were given 600 mg of vitamin E per day. These women had progesterone levels below 10 ng/ml in the middle of the luteal phase, meaning that their bodies did not produce nearly as much progesterone as is necessary for implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. As a result of vitamin E, the progesterone level of 67% of the group of 18 women (12 patients) improved , but only 18% (2 patients) of the control group of 11 women who did not take any active ingredient.
Due to its hormone-balancing effect, vitamin E can be useful in the prevention and additional treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases such as endometriosis , benign fibroids or malignant tumors.
Vitamin E, the helper in case of PCOS
According to a case study published in India in 2019, vitamin E may be a key adjunct in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . According to the scientific article, vitamin E mimics the effects of progesterone in the body and reduces the negative effects of high estrogen and testosterone levels. In the case study, taking 400 IU of vitamin E per day for 12 weeks improved the ratio of LH/FSH hormones and decreased testosterone levels by more than 60% in a PCOS woman .
Vitamin E was able to improve the condition and quality of life of the PCOS patient in just 12 weeks.
Vitamin E, essential supplement for PMS and menopause symptoms
Vitamin E has been successfully used in several clinical trials to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that occur when menstruation approaches. In a 2013 randomized trial, 100 mg of vitamin E per day significantly reduced the physical and mental symptoms of PMS . A 2016 randomized, double-blind, controlled trial also concluded that 100 mg of vitamin E per day is an effective and affordable treatment for PMS.
In an Iranian study, a combination of Pilates and 100 mg of vitamin E per day significantly reduced the intensity of PMS mood and physical symptoms, as well as the impact of the symptoms on daily life, after one month. In addition, vitamin E alone, without exercise, has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and physical symptoms .
Vitamin E can also provide a natural solution to the unpleasant symptoms of menopause (menopause, climax). Based on clinical studies, vitamin E can be effective in alleviating mood symptoms, sleep disorders and hot flashes during menopause and the preceding perimenopause . According to research, 400-800 IU of vitamin E per day can help prevent heat waves and reduce their severity.
The unpleasant symptoms of PMS and menopause can be traced back to similar causes: the hormone balance is disturbed, the estrogen level rises, and the progesterone level decreases. Although the exact mechanism of action of vitamin E in the case of these problems is not yet known, presumably its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties help together.