Supplements To Get You Through Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of life for women, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes that can lead to a variety of symptoms. While menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, it can also bring about challenges, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more. Fortunately, there are supplements that can help alleviate some of these symptoms and improve overall well-being during this transition.

In this article, we will explore menopause, the symptoms associated with it, and the supplements that can provide support throughout this stage of life. We will also look at both prescription and over-the-counter supplements that may help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Key Takeaways

What is Menopause and Its Symptoms?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and reduced bone density. Managing these changes is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Supplements for Menopause Relief

Natural supplements can help manage menopause symptoms:

• Phyto-estrogens mimic estrogen and reduce hot flashes.

• Progesterone creams balance hormones and ease mood swings.

• 7-Keto DHEA lowers stress-related cortisol levels.
  These options are available over-the-counter and provide non-prescription relief.

Prescription Treatments for Severe Symptoms

For severe menopause symptoms, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can replace declining hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Prescription treatments like Evorel or Elleste Duet can effectively manage symptoms like hot flashes and bone density loss, under a doctor’s guidance.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods cease permanently. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle. The transition into menopause typically starts in a woman’s late 40s or early 50s and is known as peri-menopause. During this phase, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she is considered to be in menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Insomnia

• Vaginal dryness

• Reduced libido

• Hair loss

• Mood swings

• Anxiety and depression

• Forgetfulness

• Loss of bone density

• Increased risk of heart disease

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to these physical and emotional shifts. Understanding how to manage these symptoms is key to maintaining your overall well-being during this phase.

Supplements to Help Manage Menopause Symptoms

While there are various medical treatments available for menopause symptoms, many women prefer to try natural or over-the-counter supplements first. Some of the most effective supplements for managing symptoms include phytoestrogens, progesterone creams, and DHEA.

Phyto-estrogens

Phyto-estrogens are plant-based compounds that mimic the role of estrogen in the body. They can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Remifemin is one of the most well-known supplements containing phyto-estrogens. These supplements are generally safe and can be taken throughout every stage of menopause to ease discomfort.

Progesterone Cream

Progesterone cream is often used to balance hormone levels and alleviate symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, and hot flashes. Many over-the-counter progesterone creams contain USP natural progesterone, which is derived from plants. This supplement can be particularly helpful when combined with phyto-estrogens for comprehensive hormonal support.

7-Keto DHEA

7-Keto DHEA is a supplement that helps the body counter the negative effects of stress, particularly by reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone released during stress that can have damaging effects on the body, especially in women going through menopause. By reducing cortisol, 7-Keto DHEA helps support healthy adrenal function and overall hormonal balance during menopause.

Indole-3-Carbinol

Indole-3-carbinol is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. It has been shown to promote healthy estrogen metabolism and may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Indole-3-carbinol is an inexpensive supplement that can be taken as a protective measure during menopause to ensure proper estrogen regulation and support overall breast health.

Prescription Supplements and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

While over-the-counter supplements can be effective, some women may require prescription-based treatments for more severe symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments to manage the effects of menopause. HRT provides synthetic hormones to replace the ones your body is no longer producing, helping to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and reduced bone density.

• Estrogen and Progesterone: For women in mid-peri-menopause, medications like Evorel (estrogen), Elleste Solo and Elleste Duet (progesterone) can help balance hormones and relieve symptoms.

• Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone: For late-peri-menopause, some women may be prescribed a combination of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. It’s important to consult with your doctor, as testosterone should only be used under medical supervision.

How to Manage Your Menopause Hormone Program

Managing menopause symptoms often requires a combination of treatments, including both prescription medications and supplements. Here’s a typical approach to managing hormone replacement during different stages of menopause:

Early Peri-menopause

During early peri-menopause, when hormonal fluctuations begin, supplements like phyto-estrogen (such as Estro-Flavone) and progesterone cream can be helpful. These products are available over-the-counter and can provide relief from mild symptoms. As the body’s hormones continue to fluctuate, more targeted treatments may be necessary.

Mid Peri-menopause

As hormone levels continue to decline, HRT may become necessary. Medications containing estrogen and progesterone, such as Evorel or Elleste Duet, can be prescribed by your doctor to help regulate hormones and alleviate symptoms more effectively.

Late Peri-menopause

In later stages of peri-menopause, additional hormone support may be required, including the use of testosterone alongside estrogen and progesterone. It’s crucial that testosterone is only prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is a natural transition, but it doesn’t have to be a time of suffering. There are many supplements and treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life during this phase. From phyto-estrogens to progesterone creams and 7-Keto DHEA, there are effective ways to support your body and relieve discomfort. For more severe symptoms, prescription treatments like HRT can provide significant relief.

If you’re approaching menopause or currently experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about the best approach for managing your symptoms. With the right treatment and support, you can make this transition more comfortable and maintain your health and vitality throughout menopause. should not be used by women unless prescribed by a doctor. These medications are prescription-required and are sometimes prescribed "off label" for women during the menopause.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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