Impact of Dietary Intake on the Incidence and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms: A Literature Review

Abstract— Symptoms of menopause can vary in severity among women. The use of a proper diet and the inclusion of the right nutrients in the food intake, affects the health and well-being of females. The effect of food intake on postmenopausal ailments is now being intensively studied. The purpose of this study is to systematize knowledge about the impact of diet on the occurrence and severity of menopausal symptoms (MS) and to raise awareness of this issue among the public and healthcare professionals. This paper is based on a comprehensive review of scientific research conducted worldwide. In the searching process the terms “menopause”, “menopausal symptoms”, “postmenopausal women”, “diet” and “dietary pattern” were used. Diets based on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have a positive effect on relieving MS and are associated with less frequent symptoms. Consuming foods with a high content of saturated fats has a negative impact. Introducing a properly selected diet for women in the postmenopausal period can contribute to improving their quality of life and health. At this point, a plant-based dietary pattern that excludes highly processed foods, rich in sugars and animal products seems most favorable. The results of studies on the effect of taking vitamin or caffeine preparations on MS are uncertain. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine optimal dietary and supplementation guidelines for treating intractable symptoms in postmenopausal women. Keywords— Menopause, menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal women, diet, dietary patterns