Typically, in your early 50s your ovaries stop producing eggs and your menstrual cycle stops. When you have not had a period for 6 months, you are believed to have completed the menopause. However, because your ovaries also stop producing female hormones, you start to feel the symptoms of the menopause and become at greater risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

 

The most common symptoms of the menopause are hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Some women also experience aches and pains, mood swings, anxiety and insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

 

Unfortunately, some women can experience many of these symptoms - in addition to irregular periods - for up to 10 years before their last period. This is called the “perimenopause”, but the supplements listed here are also beneficial in this situation.

 

Every woman’s experience of the transition into menopause is different. Some hardly notice it at all, whilst others can have every symptom and have a miserable time trying to adjust.

 

Because of this, there is no “magic bullet” and most women have to experiment until they find a supplement – or in many cases, several supplements – that suit them.

 

Useful supplements:

 

Agnus Castus may be of help at the start of the menopause when periods are heavy and frequent and flooding may occur. This supplement exerts a balancing effect on the female hormones to help stabilise periods.

 

Black Cohosh is a popular remedy for the relief of hot flushes, vaginal dryness, heavy sweating, loss of libido, poor condition of hair, skin and nails and mild depression. This supplement contains phytoestrogens – plant compounds that are similar to the oestrogen produced by the body – which, by binding to the hormone receptors in the body, ease these symptoms.

Because there have been several cases of liver damage associated with the use of black cohosh, all labels now carry the following warning:

“Warning: In rare cases, black cohosh may cause liver problems. Consult your doctor if you already have liver disease or become unwell whilst using this product.”

 

Ginseng is well known for reducing stress and contains essential fatty acids that can reduce hot flushes. It can also help alleviate psychological symptoms of the menopause, such as depression and anxiety.

 

Red Clover contains four phytoestrogens, which are beneficial during the menopause. When taken regularly, it appears to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes. Additionally, in studies of women approaching or going through the menopause, it appears to reduce bone mineral loss by as much as 49%. As it is an anti-oxidant, it improves heart health, protects against narrowing of the arteries and reduces cholesterol levels.

 

 

Sage has a balancing effect on the hypothalamus (a region of the brain that regulates certain metabolic processes).

This, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the sweat regulating mechanism that is located in the same part of the brain, making it useful for the control of hot flushes and reducing sweating.

 

Soya Isoflavones are an ideal alternative to HRT for women, because of  their oestrogen-like  effects (which are similar to those produced by isoflavones). A recent double-blind study, published in Obstetrics and Gynecology suggested that isoflavones decrease the menopausal symptoms, and that the total and LDL-cholesterol levels decrease significantly. Isoflavones may also lower high blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis or brittle bones.

 

St John’s Wort is frequently used to treat the mild depression that accompanies the menopause. Studies indicate that many cases of depression relate more to circumstances than to the menopause itself. It is believed that St John’s Wort improves mood and emotions and promotes sound sleep.

If you are taking prescribed drugs, you should consult with your doctor before taking St John’s Wort.

 

Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc/Vitamin D are essential for strong bones and help to prevent osteoporosis.

 

 

 

All of the information on this website - plus much more - is available to download in my new book "The Plain English Guide To Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements" (Selling elsewhere on the net at $49 {that's about £25}, but available by clicking here for only £9.97 {about $20})