When women go through the menopause, they are approaching the point at which they can no longer menstruate or reproduce and as a result, their hormones, vitamins and mineral are constantly fluctuating. In order to combat the negative health effects of the menopause, research shows that taking supplements to rebalance your general health is a great way to improve quality of life.
Here at Bodyline, we want to help menopausal women reach their optimum health levels once again and get back to their best selves. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to taking supplements including vitamins, minerals and hormones during the menopause.
Based on blood testing and analysis, medical wellness clinics like us here at Bodyline can identify the vitamins, minerals and hormones that are lacking in a menopausal woman’s body, and prescribe the best, personalised recipe of supplements to return them back to their pre-menopause selves. We can also advise the best lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise to improve their overall health.
What Are Supplements?
Supplements are dietary products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances intended to supplement one’s diet. They are commonly available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Supplements can be used to fill potential nutrient gaps in the diet and support overall health and well-being.
Why Do You Lack Supplements During the Menopause?
During the menopause, hormonal changes can lead to various symptoms and changes in the body. These changes can affect nutrient absorption, metabolism, and hormonal balance. Additionally, the natural aging process can contribute to a decline in certain nutrients, further exacerbating potential deficiencies. As a result, menopausal women may lack certain vitamins, minerals, and hormones that are essential for maintaining health and managing menopausal symptoms.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our hormone replacement therapy treatments
Which Vitamins and Hormones Can Be Low in the Menopause?
Several vitamins and hormones can be low or imbalanced during the menopause. It is personalised to everyone, so you may only be deficient in a few. That’s why personalised treatments are vital in targeting menopause-related ailments.
Vitamin D
Menopausal women may have lower levels of vitamin D due to decreased sun exposure and age-related changes in skin. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Studies show that vitamin D improves quality of life in menopausal women by reducing the risk and symptoms of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
B Vitamins
Hormonal changes and stress during the menopause can deplete B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate. These vitamins are important for energy production, mood regulation, and cognitive function. Clinical researchers say that the role of B vitamins like vitamin B12 cannot be overestimated, as correct dosage can reduce the cognitive decline through the menopause and even decrease the risk of dementia.
Calcium
Estrogen plays a role in calcium absorption, and its decline during menopause can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Adequate calcium intake is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including hormone regulation, immune system function, and cell growth. During menopause, the body undergoes hormonal changes, and maintaining adequate levels of zinc becomes even more important. Zinc supplementation helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Additionally, zinc is known for its immune-boosting properties. By supplementing with zinc, women can strengthen their immune response and reduce the risk of infections.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a crucial role throughout the body, including in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure maintenance, bone formation, and mental health. These health concerns often become more prevalent during menopause. Magnesium supplements are known for their benefits in promoting heart health, reducing blood pressure, lowering the risk of diabetes, combating osteoporosis, and, when taken in the form of magnesium citrate, relieving constipation – another symptom of the menopause.
Omega 3s
These fatty acids are important for health of the brain and the heart, as well as being involved in the function of the immune system and dealing with inflammation. They are also beneficial for bone health. All the benefits of taking omega 3 fatty acids supplements align with the needs of menopausal women, and since women generally do not get enough of these important acids, it’s a good idea to supplement them.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another vitamin involved in maintaining bone density, which is vital in preventing osteoporosis. Its antioxidant effect may also help reduce the risk of heart disease which is more common after menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Luckily, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be prescribed to help manage the effects of estrogen decline and keep levels steady to alleviate the symptoms of low hormone levels. When personalised with prescriptions titrated to your blood analysis, symptoms are targeted and will alleviate over time to improve health and overall quality of life.
Estrogen
The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is what ultimately ends a woman’s ability to produce eggs in the ovaries, but it can also impact various aspects of health, including bone health, heart health, and vaginal health. It also leads to weight gain, particularly around the stomach area. Some foods contain phytoestrogens, which when eaten in high enough quantities can balance hormone levels naturally. Phytoestrogens are present in soy products and flaxseeds and can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, however some scientists question the effectiveness of phytoestrogens.
Progesterone
This hormone is produced in the ovaries and controls the uterine lining during menstruation, but also aids in blood pressure regulation and sleep cycles. A lack of progesterone can lead to symptoms like irritability, blood pressure issues, low mood, migraines, and weight gain around the stomach. Progesterone HRT can mitigate these symptoms and make the menopause a remarkably better experience.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. Although it is typically considered a male hormone, women also produce testosterone, just in smaller amounts. Testosterone levels in women are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood, but decrease as they age. As a result, menopausal women can experience symptoms including a decreased sense of well-being, a loss of vital energy and reduced sexual libido. The benefits of testosterone include an increase in libido, energy, muscle mass, and bone density. It has also been shown to improve memory and can boost self-confidence. The personalised HRT prescription may include testosterone.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA for short, is a hormone produced in the adrenal gland, and aids in the production of female sex hormones in the ovaries. As woman age beyond early twenties, levels of DHEA gradually decrease, with around half lost in women by the age of 45. In turn, this will lower levels of oestrogen or testosterone and impact sleep, libido, and mental health. Supplementing DHEA when levels are low can improve many symptoms related to menopause, including mood, immunity, and libido. Enhanced DHEA levels can also have anti-aging properties and can protect against diabetes.
How Do I Know Which Supplements to Take During the Menopause?
Choosing the right supplements during the menopause can be overwhelming, as individual needs may vary. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, who can assess your specific nutrient needs and make personalized recommendations.
At Bodyline, we offer the M Plan, a comprehensive medical wellness program designed to support women during the menopause. The M Plan includes clinically discussing symptoms and undertaking a blood test analysis that measures your levels of hormones and vitamins, allowing us to personalise our treatment plan in addressing menopausal symptoms, including the use of HRT and supplements. Our expert team can assess your individual needs, provide recommendations for supplements, and monitor your progress to ensure optimal results.
Remember, supplements are meant to support overall health and well-being during the menopause. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate supplements for your specific needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about menopause supplements and our M Plan, contact Bodyline today at 0800 995 6036 or through our website. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalised guidance and support to help you navigate the menopause with confidence and well-being.
