Menopause can be a challenging phase in our lives … to put it mildly! For this reason, knowing what menopause symptoms can be treated with supplements is super important.
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the traditional option, I wanted to explore more natural and non-hormonal alternatives. It turns out there are some wonderfully life-enhancing supplements available to help alleviate menopausal symptoms without the potential risks that come with HRT.
In this article, I dive into the effectiveness of various supplements in managing menopausal symptoms … because we all deserve to feel comfortable and happy in our bodies, whatever stage of life we are at.
So, let’s take a compassionate and understanding approach to our bodies and explore the options available to ease the discomfort of menopause.
What menopause symptoms can be treated with supplements
There are many ways that supplements can offer us a guiding hand through both perimenopause and menopause.
Although many menopause supplements offer a blanket approach, you should look inwards and consider your own body signalling where it needs alignment. This way you can target the problem more effectively. Not all supplements are equal and what is right for one woman, may not be right for another.
Here are my favourite supplements to treat the most common menopausal symptoms.
Hot flushes and night sweats
Hot flushes and night sweats are common during menopause, affecting up to 80% of women. Hot flushes cause sudden heat sensations, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat, while night sweats lead to disrupted sleep and make us feel exhausted during the day.
Promensil really targets the hideously hot moments with a potent kick of calcium and Red Clover extract. Simply pop one tablet a day with food. But be aware they take a while to really start working – sometimes around a month. It is worth the wait though!
Buy here: iHerb
Insomnia
According to a 2018 study, 26% of women going through menopause and perimenopause are affected by insomnia. This can be directly caused by hormonal changes (lower estradiol = poorer sleep) and it can also be a secondary effect of other menopause and aging symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, and lower melatonin production. We all know how important getting a good night’s sleep is!
Swiish has come up with an amazing supplement helps you naturally produce more melatonin. Sleep Superfood Powder boasts of all natural ingredients, including tryptophan from tart cherries that work better for your circadian rhythm than the usual synthetic melatonin supplements. It is gluten, lactose, soy, and nut-free.
Just mix 1-2 scoops of Sleep Superfood Powder with 1/2-1 cup of hot water or milk and enjoy 20-30 minutes before bedtime.
Buy here: Swiish
Vagina dryness
Menopause should not equate to non-existent sex life. Vaginal dryness can be caused by many things during menopause. Lower estrogen is produced during this period which can lead to thinning of vaginal walls, less lubrication, and less elasticity. If you are also breastfeeding, going through cancer treatment or taking anti-depressants, this may also contribute to producing less natural vaginal moisture.
Luckily, OLLY has produced easy-to-take and gluten-free supplements to help us naturally regain vaginal lubrication. Happy Hoo-Ha is exactly what it promises. With just one capsule per day, this probiotic supplement supports a healthy vaginal PH balance and microbiome.
Worry less about painful and uncomfortable intimate moments with your partner with Happy Hoo-Ha!
Buy here: iherb
Irregular periods
Yes, menopause is the time when we start leaving our menstrual days behind. Irregular periods are known to be the hallmark sign of menopause. But it doesn’t mean we have to go through it in a stressful manner.
If you want to maintain the regularity and predictability of your period for as long as menopausally possible, you can count on Happy Healthy You to provide the best supplements for better and more regular periods. Containing herbs that are female reproductive tonics, Happy Period aims to regulate your cycle and prevent heavy and painful menstruation. The supplement also helps your mood with Passiflora and Melissa Officinale. Simply take 2 capsules with water daily.
Buy here: Happy Healthy You
Joint pain and stiffness
Many women experience pain in their muscles and joints during menopause. Estrogen receptors in our joints help protect our bones and keep inflammation low. Lowered estrogen during perimenopause can cause joint pain and swelling.
For this, I think Swisse does a great job of providing an excellent supplement to help alleviate pain and inflammation in our joints. Ultiboost Joint Repair helps reduce cartilage damage, promotes bone health, and can even relieve symptoms of mild osteoarthritis.
Take one tablet, twice daily during or after meals.
Buy here: Chemist Warehouse
Reduced libido
Forgetting how it feels to be sexy, hot, and ready to go is normal during menopause, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle with that feeling. The effects of menopause – hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain, vaginal dryness – can easily lower your drive and desire for physical intimacy. Not to mention, as women age, our testosterone (which plays a huge role in our sex drive and sensation) goes lower and decreases our libido further.
Fortunately, Intenza has developed a fantastic dietary supplement that enhances libido and alleviates menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and boosts mental health issues. With Herbal Ignite for Her you can look forward to feeling more energized, more relaxed and confident, and with a much better mood, you can regain that sizzle in your life.
Buy here: Herbal Ignite
General perimenopause
It is becoming more evident that perimenopause is more hard-hitting than menopause itself when it comes to the many symptoms we experience. We can feel tired, anxious, angry and even experience physical pain that stops us in our tracks. No fun at all!
By just taking 1 teaspoon of Happy Hormones, you consume a mind-blowing combination of natural herbs and superfoods. Suitable for women of all ages, this is also hormone balance supplement designed to support a healthy female reproductive system. Happy Healthy You is also proud to offer a money-back guarantee if you are not happy with the results.
Buy here: Happy Healthy You
General menopause
I’ve also found another fantastic supplement that you will love throughout menopause as you deal with various discomforts that the hormonal changes in your body have caused.
Divine Woman contains a unique blend of mushrooms and herbs, a formula that has been designed to support your reproductive health, fight fatigue, and protect your immune system.
Each ingredient offers an important set of benefits that can heal your mind and body through the difficult days of menopause. Known as ‘adaptogens’, the mushroom ingredients of this amazing supplement help increase your resistance to physical, environmental, emotional, and biological stress.
Buy here: Kissed Earth
