Should vitamin E be used in postmenopausal women?

The authors present some evidence concerning antioxidant properties of vitamin E. They recommend it for postmenopausal women, especially for these who can not or will not use the hormonal replacement therapy. After menopause the oxidative stress increases. The decrease in estrogen production is associated with enhanced free radical production and with attenuated mechanisms of antioxidant defence. The prooxidant-antioxidant status changes its balance for the better of oxidative reactions. This results in the increased free radical tissue damage and a higher risk of development of diseases with free radical aetiology. Estrogens exert significant antioxidant activity and protect the organism against free radical action. In cases of estrogen deficiency the use of substances which enlarge antioxidant protection is advised especially vitamin E.