Multivitamins and mineral supplements usually do an adequate job of enriching the diet. Formulas that cover a wide variety of multivitamins and minerals are sufficient in providing antioxidants to protect against cancer and minerals that normalize blood pressure. But women's health needs evolve as they age and their reproductive capacities develop and decline. The levels of various hormones fluctuate dramatically in different stages of women's lives, with varying effects upon their bodies and health.

The maturation of a woman's reproductive system can be accompanied by mild symptoms. When menstruation begins, some women experience mood swings before each period, called pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Vitamin B6 is recommended for relieving PMS, and particularly for women who take oral contraceptives. For women who suffer excessive blood loss, iron supplements may be necessary to retain normal iron levels in the body. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Heart conditions usually develop when plaques build up in the arteries and obstruct blood flow to the heart. Consumption of fish oil from fish may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The incidence of depression appears to be greater in women than in men, especially during the premenstrual and postpartum periods. Numerous scientific studies indicate that SAMe may be useful in the treatment of depression. Ginseng provides energy and helps women cope with mental and physical stress.Pregnant women have specific dietary requirements. Please refer to the article on "Prenatal health."

After the onset of menopause, a condition affecting many women is osteoporosis, in which the bones become brittle and fragile. Osteoporosis occurs roughly a year after menopause begins, as a result of halted estrogen production. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by supplying the building materials for bone. Soy is suggested to relieve symptoms of menopause and slow bone loss because soy isoflavones have a mild estrogenic effect. Population studies also suggest that eating a high-soy diet is associated with a modestly reduced risk of developing breast cancer in Asian women.