Supplements, vitamins routine for menopausal women

[Anonymous]

I am turning 54 this summer and feeling it. Would like to find a doctor (?) to help me develop a comprehensive protocol for supplements and vitamins.
Where do I go? Naturopath, holistic medicine, any particular health clinic? I am in Bethesda, MD.
I am already taking some supplements, but really would like an advice from someone who specializes in this.
Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Me too! 54 in a week.

Just missed my period for the first time (52 days).

I feel like gynecologist and primary know nothing about this.

Who is prescribing everyone’s HRT or guiding them through it?

[Anonymous]

I go to my GYN for HRT.

I'd also like to get going with a supplement routine, but I really just want to buy stuff from the drugstore. So if anyone has suggestions/resources on that I'd appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Me too! 54 in a week.

Just missed my period for the first time (52 days).

I feel like gynecologist and primary know nothing about this.

Who is prescribing everyone’s HRT or guiding them through it?

I'm 10 years "post". Found my HRT GYN doctor on Menopause.org

As for supplements, I'm on Vt D3 + K2, Omega 3/5/6/7/9/11 (Kirkland Brand), Vit C, Zinc, Multi. I should add that some of what I take is because I have an autoimmune condition that I'm trying to manage.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Clark is amazing for this. She doesn't do just blanket recommendations, but actually does testing and makes recommendations based off of the testing.

https://longevitylabhealth.com/

[Anonymous]

Outside Vitamin D, there is not a lot of data supporting supplements. They are not regulated. You have no idea what you are actually getting. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

[Anonymous]

I recommend doing some research before finding a provider - there are a lot of charlatans in this area. For example, there’s no need to test hormone levels, let alone do regular testing of them. HRT does not actually replace hormones, but is used to treat symptoms. Your hormone levels are not that useful because that doesn’t account for how well your hormone receptors are functioning. Also, most physicians will give you bad advice about vitamins, telling you that you don’t need them because your levels are “normal” but the fact is that menopausal women function better with higher levels of D and iron, for example. But if you go to a naturopath, they will often try to sell you high priced supplements, which can be sketchy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recommend doing some research before finding a provider - there are a lot of charlatans in this area. For example, there’s no need to test hormone levels, let alone do regular testing of them. HRT does not actually replace hormones, but is used to treat symptoms. Your hormone levels are not that useful because that doesn’t account for how well your hormone receptors are functioning. Also, most physicians will give you bad advice about vitamins, telling you that you don’t need them because your levels are “normal” but the fact is that menopausal women function better with higher levels of D and iron, for example. But if you go to a naturopath, they will often try to sell you high priced supplements, which can be sketchy.

Ah, ok, you got your MD from where?

As a woman with PCOS I absolutely need my hormones tested regularly. Take your BS and go somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside Vitamin D, there is not a lot of data supporting supplements. They are not regulated. You have no idea what you are actually getting. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

People say this as a reason to avoid all supplements. As a consumer, like everything else, you need to be picky and find brands that have reputations for being reliable and effective.

[Anonymous]

My young GP was a deer in headlights when I brought up my peri symptoms. My older gyn was better - got me going on an estrogen patch which was what I asked for, but shut down any discussion of testosterone. I was looking for info/guidance.

I’ve been on my own trying the right mix of things that are working for helping with energy/sleep/libido/ night sweats etc
I think HRT has been key for me, but I’m still trying various things to help on top of the HRT.
For instance I tried melatonin- which seems to help many with sleep issues. But it left me super drowsy during the day, so I crossed that off my list. Now I’m trying a supplement designed for peri/menopausal women to help with energy. Giving it a shot. Also, this night time cream. Who knows!

If there were a doc or specialist who could tell me what the magic bullet is - sign me up. I guess I’m skeptical one exists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Me too! 54 in a week.

Just missed my period for the first time (52 days).

I feel like gynecologist and primary know nothing about this.

Who is prescribing everyone’s HRT or guiding them through it?

I'm 10 years "post". Found my HRT GYN doctor on Menopause.org

As for supplements, I'm on Vt D3 + K2, Omega 3/5/6/7/9/11 (Kirkland Brand), Vit C, Zinc, Multi. I should add that some of what I take is because I have an autoimmune condition that I'm trying to manage.

Thanks for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside Vitamin D, there is not a lot of data supporting supplements. They are not regulated. You have no idea what you are actually getting. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

People say this as a reason to avoid all supplements. As a consumer, like everything else, you need to be picky and find brands that have reputations for being reliable and effective.

You still can’t confirm what you’re getting. Unless you have a deficiency and test with resolution of the deficiency. Reputation isn’t data.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside Vitamin D, there is not a lot of data supporting supplements. They are not regulated. You have no idea what you are actually getting. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

People say this as a reason to avoid all supplements. As a consumer, like everything else, you need to be picky and find brands that have reputations for being reliable and effective.

You still can’t confirm what you’re getting. Unless you have a deficiency and test with resolution of the deficiency. Reputation isn’t data.

It is. You just don't want to admit it.

Sometimes reputation is based on "feeling an effect". Sometimes reputation comes from having a deficiency and testing after taking the supplement. Most often the former and sometimes the latter.

[Anonymous]

It can also be placebo effect. I’m not saying there isn’t some of what is listed on the label, but there is no guarantee of that. There is nothing to admit. Supplements are not regulated. Facts are facts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside Vitamin D, there is not a lot of data supporting supplements. They are not regulated. You have no idea what you are actually getting. Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

OP here.
I should be more specific here. I am not looking for HRT. I am not suffering from hot flashes and my doctor didn’t recommend it unless I really need it.
As far as regulating supplements, it’s true, but I’ve learned that turmeric is marvelous for my early arthritis. Now I am looking at collagen peptides for my aging joins. Most traditionally trained doctors here are not big on supplements, but you look at other countries it’s different.
I know that there are providers out there that are more knowledgeable in complementary medicine.
Help me to find them.
Thank you.🙏