According to a new study, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D does not appear to improve menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, or sleep quality in postmenopausal women.

This was a secondary analysis of data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation Trial. 34,157 women (mean age of 64) were randomized to receive calcium carbonate 1000 mg with vitamin D 400 IU daily or placebo.  While calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health in postmenopausal women, it looks as if these supplements may not be so helpful for managing other menopausal symptoms.

The authors noted, however, that the women from the WHI cohort are older and postmenopausal and that these findings may not be generalizeable to younger perimenopausal women.

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

LeBlanc ES, Hedlin H, Qin F, Desai M, et al.  Calcium and vitamin D supplementation do not influencemenopause-related symptoms: Results of the Women’s Health Initiative Trial.  Maturitas. 2015 May 22.

Menopause Symptoms Not Eased by Calcium, Vitamin D (Medscape)

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