What to watch with Selen and Wechseljahre?

Selenium is an essential trace element critical for thyroid function and antioxidant defense. During menopause, maintaining adequate selenium levels may theoretically help reduce oxidative stress and support thyroid health, as thyroid issues become more common in this phase. However, clinical evidence is limited: no robust studies show that selenium supplementation alleviates menopausal symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings. Moreover, selenium has a narrow therapeutic window – chronic intake above 300–400 µg/day can cause selenosis (toxicity). Most Europeans meet their needs through diet (Brazil nuts, fish, eggs). Genetic testing for selenium-related variants (e.g., in SELENOP or GPX1) is not clinically actionable and is not offered by MyBody-X. My advice: Do not supplement selenium without measuring blood levels and consulting a doctor. Focus on a balanced diet and targeted lab work if deficiency is suspected. The evidence for benefit in menopause is weak to moderate.