Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women that marks the end of menstrual cycles. The ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones. It is typically considered that a woman is in menopause after 12 consecutive months of no menstruation. The average age that this occurs in the United States is 51. Learn more about common symptoms and supplements to help relieve menopause symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
While menopause is a natural biological process, the symptoms can be very disruptive to daily life. Typically, women experience these symptoms in the months (or even years) leading up to menopause.
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Moodiness
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and skin
Supplements for Menopause Symptoms
Here at Vida we advocate for eating healthy, nutrient dense meals to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, we understand that sometimes this is not possible and this is where supplements can be a useful part of your treatment plan. We strongly recommend speaking with your doctor before starting any new supplement. We also recommend purchasing high quality supplements. At Vida Hormone Therapy & Integrative Health, we offer only the highest quality grade supplements and functional foods available in medicine today.
Here are some supplements for menopause symptoms. Many of these supplements are important for overall health and wellness no matter your age.
Magnesium: Magnesium is a supplement that is important for many different functions in our body. It is also a supplement that most people are deficient in because it’s difficult to get enough from food sources alone. During menopause, magnesium is important for bone health, sleep, mood, heart health and more.
Vitamin B6: This vitamin makes serotonin. As we age, B6 levels can start to drop which may be a contributing factor to mood swings and depression during menopause.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is important for bone health, neurological function, and more. Low levels of B12 can lead to fatigue, constipation, balance problems, depression and more.
Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting powers, Vitamin C is also important for healthy skin and joints.
Vitamin D: This is an important vitamin for bone health. Without Vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium. While you can get Vitamin D from the sun, it is important to limit sun exposure to prevent skin damage. Focus on foods and supplementation to make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D.
Calcium: The drop in hormone levels from menopause can cause bone loss in some women. It is best to get calcium from food sources and fill in the gaps with a calcium supplement.
Omega 3: Fish oil supplements can help relieve hot flashes and improve mood. Healthy fats like omega 3 are also very important for hormone production.
Probiotics: Probiotics are good for gut health, but there is also some research that suggests they are good for vaginal health as well. Consider taking a probiotic to help with dryness, pain during intercourse and inflammation.
Viveve Solutions
Our Viveve Solutions procedure is an option for women suffering from bladder leakage, vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. With just one session you will increase blood flow in the vagina. Contact our office to learn more about Viveve Solutions.
These are just some supplements we recommend for menopause symptoms. Your doctor may recommend different supplements depending on your individual health history and concerns. If you are looking to discuss your symptoms and find a treatment plan, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Vida Hormone Health & Integrative Medicine in Miami.
