Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid produced by the body that benefits health. Studies claim that it improves mental ability in times of stress, which is most of the time encountered during the menopausal stage. Supplements that contain tyrosine are widely available in the market. But how does it work in the body to help with menopausal symptoms? Let’s find it out here.
What is Tyrosine?
Tyrosine (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) is one of the non-essential amino acids that our body needs for thyroid health. It is building blocks of protein that the body makes from another amino acid termed phenylalanine. Tyrosine can be also obtained from dairy products, fish, meats, eggs, beans, oats, nuts, and wheat. However, there is a limitation of the daily dosage of tyrosine, as excessive amounts may bring unwanted effects in the body.
Tyrosine for Menopause
The effect of tyrosine benefits the mood, and the daily physical and cognitive performance of a person. In menopausal women, tyrosine helps by counteracting anxiety and depression related to menopause. It is also essential for fighting off memory loss and lethargy.
How Tyrosine Works for Menopause
Tyrosine benefits menopausal women by regulating and balancing the neurotransmitters of the brain. During menopause, the body experiences deficiencies, which are corrected by the brain through food cravings. And more food cravings could result to weight gain, increased blood sugar, and many other complications. The tyrosine regulates the appetite by correcting the impulses received in the brain. Tyrosine also regulate serotonin and dopamine production, which are the components responsible for moods. Once the production of these components are corrected, it results to mental alertness, and sense of relaxation. This instance explains how tyrosine relieves menopausal symptoms that are related to mental stability like depression, fatigue, and memory loss.
Other Uses of Tyrosine
Tyrosine is also used to improve conditions like attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improving alertness, and the difficulty to stay awake (narcolepsy). It is also used in several illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol and cocaine withdrawal, ED (erectile dysfunction), heart disease and stroke, libido loss, schizophrenia, as a suntan agent and appetite suppressant.
As for cosmetics, tyrosine is also sometimes applied to the skin to reduce wrinkles.
Risks in taking Tyrosine
Tyrosine has possible side effects that come as heartburn, joint pain, nausea and vomiting. The permitted safe dose is up to 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months. Once symptoms are felt, it is suggested to immediately consult a doctor.
The use of tyrosine is not allowed for people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or Graves disease. Taking tyrosine might increase the levels of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, which could get the situation worse.
There is not enough evidence that claims the safety of tyrosine use for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is suggested that this bracket should avoid tyrosine until official researches are released.
Healing with Tyrosine
Dosage: Therapeutic doses can be between 350 milligrams to 6,000 milligrams or 6 grams in a day. Men need 2,600 milligrams and women is 2,200 milligrams a day. The daily requirements can increase depending on the needs of a person.
Food Sources: They can be obtained from sesame seeds and almonds. Seaweed, fish and poultry are also excellent sources.
| Food Sources | Amount | Equivalent Tyrosine Value |
| Seaweed (raw spirulina) | 1 ounce or 28 grams | 2046 milligrams |
| Fish (raw salmon) | 1 ounce or 28 grams | 1771 milligrams |
| Turkey (meat only, roasted, cooked) | 1 ounce or 28 grams | 1771 milligrams |
| Sesame seeds (low-fat) | 1 ounce or 28 grams | 1261 milligrams |
More information about food sources and value of tyrosine can be seen here. Besides tyrosine, there are plenty of other essential amino acids out there that can help you during menopause. Every amino acid has a “primary” function and you can choose one that fits your needs and symptoms.
Are you taking tyrosine supplements? Did it help? We’d like to hear from you! Share it with us below.
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Gita is the founder of My Menopause Journey. Since 2014, she has been supporting midlife women by sharing hard-earned learnings from her own experience. To advance her knowledge, Gita puts a lot of her time and effort into understanding the broad spectrum of women’s health. She immerses in extensive research about the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Gita believes in the life-changing power of healthy, holistic living — this is where she anchors her message to all women. Learn more about her marvelous mission in About us - My Menopause Journey.