Magnesium and menopause: what to know

Menopause can involve changes in sleep, mood, temperature regulation, muscle comfort and bowel habits. Magnesium is a mineral involved in nerve signalling, muscle contraction and energy metabolism. A supplement might be relevant when dietary intake is low or a clinician identifies a deficiency, but symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness or low sex drive have several possible causes. Magnesium should not be used to explain away new or troublesome symptoms. Read more about [Menopause](/conditions/menopause/) and [Hot Flushes](/symptoms/hot-flushes/).

Start with food sources such as beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy vegetables. If you are considering a supplement, check the product label and discuss the dose with a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you have kidney disease or take regular medicines. Magnesium can cause diarrhoea or stomach cramping and may interfere with absorption of some medicines when taken together. Keep a brief symptom record so you can separate sleep changes, night sweats or mood changes from the effects of any new product. Avoid replacing prescribed menopause care with a supplement.

Arrange a medical review for bleeding after periods have stopped, persistent pelvic pressure, severe sleep disruption, marked mood changes or symptoms that interfere with daily life. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness or thoughts of self-harm. A clinician can assess whether symptoms fit menopause, another condition or a medicine effect.

Could my symptoms have a cause other than menopause? Do I need a blood test or a medication review before taking magnesium? Which supplement form and dose are appropriate for my health history? How should I manage hot flushes, night sweats or vaginal dryness if they continue?