Is It Worth Taking Supplements For Menopause?
Whilst supplements won't eradicate menopause symptoms completely, research shows that they can help to manage hot flushes and low mood. There are two categories of menopause supplements: phytoestrogenic and hormone-regulating. Phytoestrogenic herbs such as black cohosh, red clover and soy, are designed to relieve symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance as they contain plant hormones which are thought to mimic oestrogen. On the other hand, hormone-regulating supplements work by stimulating hormone producing glands, therefore regulating hormone levels in the body. Diet and exercise are also equally important and, along with supplements, can help you to manage symptoms.
Natural Menopause Supplements
There are an array of natural menopause supplements on the market containing vitamins, plants and herbal remedies which are designed to adapt to your body's needs. Black cohosh is one of the best-studied natural herbs for menopause and is designed to aid the extreme temperatures caused by flushes. Evening primrose oil is another great supplement which aims to offer relief from breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, and low libido. Other natural menopause supplements include red clover, soy, and St John's wort, as well as vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Menopause Joint Pain Supplements
Painful joints is one of the many side effects of menopause due to plummeting oestrogen levels. In order to try and reduce discomfort, there are a number of menopause joint pain supplements on the market. It's a good idea to look at supplements which include calcium as this can help to battle the decreasing bone density. The likes of magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D are also great at keeping you supple whilst contributing towards healthier joints and bones. Other helpful supplements may include plant extracts such as green tea, vitamin B6, Dong Quai, and rosehip. There's also a benefit in adding collagen to your diet. An essential for your bones, gut and skin, you naturally produce less collagen during the menopause therefore taking a collagen supplement could help with a range of symptoms including joint pain.
Common Menopause Symptoms
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms come in many forms and can often have a big impact on your day to day life. One of the main symptoms is changes to your period pattern which eventually will result in no periods at all. Other common symptoms can include changes to your mood such as low mood/self-esteem and mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, palpitations and severe headaches and migraines. Side effects can also come in the form of muscle aches, joint pains, changing body shape, skin changes, reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness and discomfort, as well as recurring urinary tract infections.