Many women are faced with painful symptoms during their menstrual cycle that make their periods a monthly struggle to get through. In order to combat these symptoms and promote a healthier menstrual cycle, a lot of women lean toward alternative methods of medicine in order to treat the unpleasant side effects of their periods.
Herbs, minerals, and vitamins have all been used as a means of effective treatment in combating side effects, including menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, bloating, headaches, and more.
Vitamin B has proven to be an effective vitamin complex used to treat the symptoms that many women suffer from throughout their menstrual cycle.
Vitamin B includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, many of which are used by women to help remedy their cycles.
Each of these B vitamins plays an effective role in treating unpleasant symptoms and side effects. It’s common to exhibit deficiencies in B vitamins because of how quickly they pass through the body’s system, so keeping a healthy balance of Vitamin B is important and helpful in period pain relief.
B12
Vitamin B12 deficiencies often can have negative effects on the body, including increasing feelings of depression and fatigue, which are common side effects of menstruation.
B12 plays an important role in formulating red blood cells, as well as maintaining the metabolism and central nervous system. Since women lose blood during each menstrual cycle, it’s important to nourish those nutrients lost, and vitamin B12 helps with that.
Maintaining a healthy diet of B12 can offer the body an energy boost and an overall better balance of the body’s functions, especially during the period cycle.
B9
B9, or folic acid, plays a role in the metabolic processes of the body. It has been used to combat feelings of depression, anxiety, and mood swings often associated with symptoms of PMS. It can also help regulate sleep, moods, and overall appetite, which periods often wreak havoc on.
B7
B7, or biotin, helps with regulating the hormonal imbalance that often happens during PMS and the menstrual cycle. Taking a healthy amount of B7 can lead to less painful cramping during periods and less fatigue as well.
B6
B6 vitamins, also known as pyridoxal, are good for regulating periods and period flows. Vitamin B6 is known for reducing bloating due to its natural diuretic properties, and it also helps restore estrogen levels that may be imbalanced due to the menstrual cycle. B6 can also help produce amino acids, and therefore can provide more energy to women during their time of the month.
B5
B5, also known as panthothenic acid, helps with stress relief and enhanced energy. B5 vitamins can help remedy some of the common side effects of PMS, such as fatigue and mood swings, and is also known to help with insomnia.
B3
B3, or niacin, provides necessary nutrients needed to combat fatigue, cramping and mood swings during the menstrual cycle. B3 deficiencies typically have negative effects on the body, such as increased irritability and anxiety, and so it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of B3 in your diet.
B1
B1, or thiamine, works to convert glucose into energy, and therefore plays an important role in the cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems. Taking B1 vitamins can help affect energy levels and mood swings during PMS.
Typically, the most effective B vitamins to take to alleviate menstrual symptoms are B6 and B12. These vitamins are the most beneficial in treating PMS symptoms, as well as regulating a woman’s menstrual cycles and period flows. Vitamin B12 can be found in most animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and milks, and therefore women who don’t eat meat are more likely to develop a B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is also offered as a dietary supplement or can be administered in the form of a shot. B12 deficiencies can have harmful effects on the body, such as leading to health conditions like anemia.
Since Vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal imbalances that occur during the menstrual phases, taking B6 vitamins can help regulate the menstrual cycle, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy fertility rate.
Since B6 is water soluble, it doesn’t stay in the body long and you need to make sure you are getting enough into your body in order to maintain a healthy diet and body function.
4 Best Vitamin B Complex Picks to Support a Healthy Cycle
You know now how important maintaining a balanced vitamin B intake is, especially when it comes to supporting a healthy cycle. Vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in boosting your energy, enhancing metabolism, and promoting overall wellness. Choosing the right supplement can make a noticeable difference in how you feel throughout the month.
This guide helps you navigate your options and find the supplement that fits your lifestyle and health needs so you can feel your best all cycle long.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Most Bioavailable | Life Extension B-Complex | $8.10 | 92 |
| 🚀 Best Whole Food Blend | Garden of Life B-Complex | $24.49 | 90 |
| 🔰 Best Liquid Formula | NutraHarmony B-Drops | $24.89 | 87 |
| 💰 Best Value | Nature’s Bounty Super B | $9.49 | 89 |
How We Selected These Vitamin B Complex Supplements
To help you choose the best vitamin B complex for supporting your healthy cycle, we considered factors like bioavailability—the ease with which your body absorbs each B vitamin—product form (capsules versus liquid), ingredient quality including methylated forms for better absorption, added benefits like probiotics or vitamin C, value for money, and user feedback about energy support and tolerance. Each product offers a unique benefit tailored to different preferences, lifestyles, and health goals.
🏆 Most Bioavailable
You know how important B vitamins are across the board, but sometimes cheap supplements just don’t do the trick. This Life Extension B-Complex gives you all eight essential B vitamins in bioactive forms that your body actually recognizes and uses well.
Taking it daily can help support your heart, brain, and nerves, plus it’s great for boosting energy naturally. Whether you’re tackling a busy workweek or just want to feel a little sharper and more energized throughout the day, this supplement fits right into your routine without fuss.
What People Say
Most people appreciate how this B-Complex actually feels effective, especially when it comes to boosting energy and mental clarity. The bioavailable forms of B12 and folate get a lot of thumbs up, especially from those who have trouble with other supplements. Some mention mild flushing from niacin, but overall the capsule size and taste are easy to handle. It’s well-loved for quality and value, making it a popular daily go-to.
Health Perks At a Glance
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart Health | Contains B vitamins that help support healthy cardiovascular function. |
| Brain Function | Helps maintain sharp cognitive function and mental focus. |
| Nerve Support | Supports the nervous system to keep you feeling balanced and energized. |
| Energy Boost | Promotes natural energy production by aiding metabolism. |
| Skin Health | Contributes to healthy skin through proper cell function. |
Trusted Brand History
Life Extension has been dedicated to quality and scientific research for over 40 years. Their products are mostly non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in the USA with strict quality controls.
Why You’ll Like It
- Full spectrum of bioactive B vitamins for better absorption
- Supports heart, brain, and nerve health
I’ve been taking 50mg a day of b6 for two weeks my period is now 3 days late I’ve had period cramps on and off for the last week but no signs of af could the vitamin have caused this would I affect my period cycle that quick
Hi there Laura, use the link below to learn about the effects of Vitamin b6 on a female’s cycle.
https://womanjunction.com/effects-of-vitamin-b-on-menstrual-cycle/
Hi i am 27 years old started taking Vitamin B and iron tablets recently. I have never had a delay in my period. Can taking these supplements delayed my period. Because its three days late. Did a pregnancy test and it was negative. Getting cramps, and experience bloating.
Hi Deniecia, vitamin B can affect your period because it is something additional in your body. If the pregnancy test is negative then I would assume that you aren’t pregnant but I would wait a few more days before taking another one unless you have gotten your period by now.
Hi, I took biotin 10,000 for 3-4 days and stopped it 3 days ago because it was delaying my period. I am now 5 days late. Do you have any clue on how long it will take to come back?
Hello Ma, there is not telling on when it will return, hopefully soon.
when is the best time to take b6 before, during, or after your period?
Hi Cammie, I would add it to your regular daily supplementation to keep your body healthy and in regular state if you are dealing with a deficiency.
Hi Lindiwe,
I was on the vitamin Becomplex for about 10 days. The instructions indicate that u can take 2-3 per day so I was taking 2, morning and afternoon. Now I am 16 days late on my period. Of course, I took a 3 pregnancy tests at three different time frames all of which say negative. Do u think this vitamin could possibly do this drastic of a change?
Hi Kimberly, yes it can be the cause of the delayed period for you. They recommend starting off with the smallest dose of the vitamin first, so one per day to reduce symptoms and increase from there until you have no symptoms any longer. But it does have a delaying affect on periods and the menstural cycle as it affects the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.
Thanks for responding Daniela, clearly that’s what happened. I even went to the doctor and took another pregnancy test (now totalling 3) which was also negative as well as I did a vaginal ultrasound which showed no signs of pregnancy.
I hope when it decide to come, it doesn’t embarras me while on the street as now I really dnt knw when to expect it. I got Provera to bring it down but due to the side effects I decided not to take it so let’s see how long this things gonna take.
Hi there, I heard that taking vitamin b6 can delay your period. I am going on a trip in June so I want to delay my period just by 4-5 days. I’m wondering if I were to try to delay it, how long before my period due date would I have to start taking the b6? How much?
Hi Roya, generally it’s more than 50 msg of B6 to change your cycle. If you are on oral birth control though you can always skip the week and start a new pack. As far as taking it if you want to I would start at the end of your next cycle this month, but it’s not guaranteed because you have to have the right dosage for your body to affect it.
Hello in last passed 2 days I took vitamin B Co. for my period pains for the first time in my life n I took 6 of them at the same time and since then my heart beats in kind of a painful way. Is it possible that can be caused by that dosage? Please help.
Hi there Lindiwe, please see link below to advise on this: https://womanjunction.com/effects-of-vitamin-b-on-menstrual-cycle/
My name is poppy I’m 37 yrs old and I don’t a child I have a problem with my menstruation cycle it is rotating and I’m confused I don’t know what’s the cause never used any contraception in my life please help.
Hi there Poppy, please see your doctor for a thorough assessment as to what might be happening with you and your cycle. All the best.