There is an ever-growing list of supplements, powders, devices, etc. that promise to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. There are some that have been used for 1,000s of years as part of Ayurvedic medicine and some have just arrived on the market. Before buying, taking, or using any such products, it is absolutely necessary to speak with a healthcare professional and more specifically to a doctor that is familiar with all symptoms that a person is experiencing and all other medications they may be taking. Also, many of these supplements are not backed by any real evidence. There certainly are many safe and effective natural approaches to relieving menopause symptoms, but some products that can be bought online or in shops are a waste of money at best, and dangerous at their worst. This should provide a general overview of what supplements are used for and associated with menopause

Vitamins or Supplements?

Vitamins are nutrients that are found naturally in the human body as well as in the food we eat. Generally speaking, vitamins are one type of a supplement, but there are other categories that fall under supplements like minerals and herbs. Most of these vitamins we get are in the foods we eat, however for one reason or another, people may wish to supplement their diet to increase the amount of certain vitamins. This is why there is a lot of emphasis on diet during menopause to increase certain vitamins that have been proven to alleviate menopause symptoms. Phytoestrogen-rich foods like soya products and flaxseeds have been shown to balance hormones as they may be under significant fluctuations during this time.

Vitamins and minerals that are important for people during this transition are calcium and vitamin D. This is due to their relation to bone health which is very important to monitor and support during menopause. People lose bone density as they age and this is further compounded by menopause. A well-balanced diet including foods with calcium and vitamin D such as leafy greens, nuts, soya, and fortified daily products should be the main sources, but many people choose to include a daily dietary supplement.

Another vitamin that gets a lot of attention when it comes to many different health-related issues is vitamin B12. B12 is often associated with red blood cell production and improved energy levels. As people age, it can be more and more difficult for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food sources and a deficiency in this vitamin is often found to be connected to anaemia. There are many other claims for vitamin B12 with varying degrees of studies and research to back them up, but the claims do correlate to menopause symptoms such as hair and skin health, bone health, anxiety, and depression.

Specific to Menopause

Other vitamins and supplements that are marketed and purported to alleviate menopause symptoms are

• Black Cohosh
• St. John’s Wort
• Ginseng
• Flax Oil 
• Evening Primrose oil 

Most of these have not been fully tested or regulated for menopause symptoms and this can mean that they are ineffective or possibly dangerous. That is why speaking with your GP is critical when considering purchasing or using other therapies for menopause.

Natural HRT?

There are also many claims from certain products to be natural hormone replacement therapies. These are sometimes referred to as ‘bioidentical hormones’. It is true that there are hormones found in plant sources, these types of therapies are not recommended by most medical doctors in India. The main reason for this is, again, due to the fact that these ‘bioidentical hormones’ have not undergone sufficient research for licensed medical professionals to be used for menopause symptom treatment.

The market is growing ever larger from what is available in local health shops, to large global companies all with ‘natural’ remedies for menopause symptoms. These largely speak to people who are looking for relief and answers; which is very understandable. However, this is why speaking with a GP is the best course of action to provide you with plenty of options, medical and ‘alternative’ to help with menopause symptoms.