Menopause Treatment with Boron: Advantages, Proper Usage, and Potential Risks for Men
Boron, a mineral and trace element found in many foods, has been suggested as a potential aid in maintaining bone health during menopause. A 2020 review indicates that supplementing with 3 mg of boron per day may help support bone health and prevent loss of bone mineral density.
The benefits of boron supplementation during menopause primarily lie in its ability to enhance calcium absorption and retention, thereby providing more calcium for building and preserving bones. Boron also positively affects hormone levels, including estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D, which collectively help maintain bone strength and reduce bone breakdown.
Research further indicates that boron supplementation may increase bone density and stimulate the production of osteocalcin, a protein crucial for bone mineralization. However, it's important to note that the potential side effects or risks of boron supplementation during menopause are less well-documented, with dosage being a key consideration.
While higher doses, such as those used in some studies to reverse osteoporosis, may carry unknown risks if taken improperly, more commonly, low doses such as 3 mg of boron in multivitamins are considered safe. Given the limited direct clinical data on boron’s adverse effects during menopause, it is advisable to use supplementation under medical supervision, especially if taken at higher doses or combined with other bone therapies.
Maintaining bone density during menopause requires a combination of adequate calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K2, along with physical activity. Boron may complement other nutritional strategies to support bone health and improve hormone balance during menopause.
In addition, phytoestrogens from diet also play a role in adapting to hormone fluctuations in perimenopause and menopause. A balanced diet, rich in boron-containing foods like coffee, milk, apples, beans, and potatoes, may provide additional benefits for bone health during menopause.
However, it's essential to remember that excessive consumption of boron can be harmful, especially if accidentally consumed from cleaning products and pesticides containing boric acid or sodium borate. The amount of boron in dietary supplements varies between 0.15-6 mg, and moderate consumption through diet and supplements does not appear to affect hair loss.
In conclusion, boron supplementation of 3 mg per day may benefit bone health and bone mineral density, and may help support bone health during menopause and postmenopause. However, due to the limited data on its adverse effects, it is advisable to use supplementation under medical supervision, especially if taken at higher doses or combined with other bone therapies.
- During menopause, the health-and-wellness benefits of boron include supporting bone health, preventing loss of bone mineral density, and enhancing calcium absorption.
- Boron positively affects hormone levels, like estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining bone strength and reducing bone breakdown.
- While boron supplementation during menopause may improve hormone balance, excess consumption can be harmful and should be avoided, especially when accidental ingestion occurs from cleaning products and pesticides.
- A balanced diet rich in boron-containing foods, like women's health-focused diets, such as coffee, milk, apples, beans, and potatoes, may provide additional benefits for women's bone health during menopause.
