After a certain age, every woman has to go through menopause. Though it is a natural part of life, it can actually be really challenging and can take a toll on a woman’s physical and mental health. The hormonal shifts can come with a lot of uncomfortable side effects, such as hot flashes, mood changes and vaginal dryness. Moreover, the drop in estrogen production can increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. One of the major ways to combat the side effects is to take supplements and vitamins, but not everyone knows which supplements can help. As long as your body is functioning in a healthy manner, supplements help to diminish some of the uncomfortable effects of menopause. Below are some of the most helpful supplements for women who are going through menopause:
1. Probiotics
Probiotics help us to have a healthier gut, and keep our body functioning in a more healthy manner. Some things that can mess with the bacteria in our gut are stress, antibiotics, a poor diet and hormonal fluctuations due to menopause. Some issues that may arise due to the hormonal fluctuations are constipation, digestive issues, gas, bloating and belly fat. Probiotics can help to stabilize some of the key issues, and help to treat some of the uncomfortable symptoms in the long run.
2. Curcumin
Curcumin is an important compound found in turmeric, and comes with a range of important benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor and anti-depressant benefits, which can be quite effective when combined together. However, curcumin might be difficult for the body to absorb, so look for these supplements that also have black pepper extract and piperine, which can aid the body to absorb the compound better.
3. Milk Thistle
The liver is an important part of the body because it manufactures and synthesizes hormones, so if it doesn’t work properly, the body can have an unwanted hormonal build up. This can lead to complications in the body, and can also make the side effects more prominent. One agent that can help to detoxify the liver is milk thistle. It clears out the toxins and once again nourish the liver and keep it functioning smoothly.
4. Calcium
The decrease in estrogen production puts a lot of women at risk for osteoporosis once they reach menopause. In fact, women are five times more likely to develop osteoporosis as compared to men, which means that calcium is an extremely important supplement to include. While the best way to include calcium is through eating the right foods, supplements can help to reach the daily needed quota. Talk to your doctor about this supplement, as they have also been associated with an increase in the risk of heart disease.
5. Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3s, which are vital for overall body health. They have important anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and they also come with powerful antioxidants that help to preserve good brain functioning and can deter away diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia and cognitive decline. While fish like salmon and trout are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, they may not be an option for vegetarian people. Therefore, fish oil supplements can help to provide the omega-3s needed for the body.
6. Black Cohosh
While research has not conclusively shown that black cohosh can get rid of uncomfortable side effects, some women have found it to be helpful. A 2010 review has found that black cohosh provided a 26 percent reduction in hot flashes and night sweats. Moreover, some women have reported that it has also helped to reduce instances of hot flashes, insomnia, sweating and depression.
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that is designed to help with adrenal fatigue, which is a symptom that is common in menopause. Ashwagandha has also shown to help in balancing hormones in the body and reduce the intensity of some menopausal symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes.
