Supplements, vitamins routine for menopausal women

[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.

Forgot to mention that I eat plant based diet, don’t drink, smoke, and try to exercise regularly.

I do this too but at my last physical with bloodwork (age 41) it turned out I’m anemic due to my heavy peri periods. I take a women’s multivitamin and biotin and after that added iron (the multi has none).

[Anonymous]

Wow, I think the proof that peri/menopause impacts mood negatively and makes us lash out is demonstrated in a lot of these comments!

OP, you still even out there? I’m club HRT, BUT, if you don’t want HRT, I’d strongly recommend this book by a well credentialed exercise scientist (but not MD). She’s got a decent amount of advice on supplementation and also nutrition and exercise. Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond https://a.co/d/dgdE1aj

I think most scientists agree that: magnesium, Vitamin D and Fish Oil are most likely to help. Agree turmeric. Get a lot from eating a host of nuts and seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin, walnuts, and others). Cut out alcohol. Increase protein probably by more than you think is necessary and have it spaced out over your entire eating window. Consider overnight fasting of 12-14 hours. Lift heavy weights (with professional advice to make sure you have perfect form bc we are old and our backs and joints will suffer!)

But finally, recognize there fact that you are aiming for moderation in what you give you body esp you brain that likes consistency and normal levels not extremes. If you need a supplement is highly tied to what you’re eating and drinking normally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

lol you have no idea what you are talking about. Like, pharma is “well regulated?” get out of here.

Are you crazy? Yes, pharma is extremely tightly regulated. They can’t even do a clinical trial in the USA without scientific give regulatory review and approval let alone market anything.

NP. Clearly you didn’t read Empire of Pain. It’s been pay to play for awhile, in many cases.

Re supplements: For 3 years I had hpv that wouldn’t clear, even after having leep. I started taking lysine for a year, and then magically the cells were cleared. So, we can say that supplements don’t work, or we can try them and re-test or see if symptoms improve. Or, we can say my experience was purely a placebo.

I agree with so many of you who are frustrated with care in perimenopause.

Okay well your case of one who took a supplement for a year during which time an infection that tends to clear naturally cleared is definitely sound evidence that supplements work for HPV in a randomized controlled trial.

SMH.

The problem is this I think - supplements can be effective for a number if conditions. The research on turmeric/curcumin, as an example, is pretty strong. But…the supplement industry really isn’t regulated, either in terms of approvals of products or in terms of manufacturing. Yes, there are problems with Pharma (and I’ve read Empire of Pain) but if it I take 20 mg of Lipitor I can be pretty confident that’s what I’m taking and the dosage amount is what it’s supposed to be. Supplements are a lot dicier. I saw a recent study of tests of a number of brands of melatonin and the dosage amounts were very different than represented, often way too high.

What I’d like to see is regulation of supplement manufacturing so it would be possible to feel more assured you are at least getting the product being sold in the dosage you think you are getting. Without that, I’m very cautious about taking supplements. I’ve tried things here and there for specific concerns but I mostly avoid them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FFS menopause is not a disease any more than puberty is. A lot of the resources people spend on unproven woo would be better directed to education and destigmatization. Saying that everyone with menopause is hormone deficient is like saying prepubertal children are hormone deficient. Menopause is a natural lifecycle transition for 100% of women on earth.

Tell me you aren't in menopause without telling me you aren't in menopause.

DP. Don't be so touchy. That PP is correct. Menopause is what our bodies are supposed to do. If you choose to take estrogen, that's a choice but it's not a "natural" therapy.

DP. The first PP's post is very aggressive starting with "FFS". Basically dismissing the women on this thread as complainers. Sounds like a lot of the dismissive doctors out there. So, yeah, people are touchy and FFS they get to be. Menopause has been understudied and there simply isn't enough good support for women when --YES this happens to ALL women--. So WHY don't we get more support from our healthcare system?

I don't know what you are on about with your "natural" nonsense, but the idea that all women, with the variety and range of severity in symptoms different women can have, should just struggle though it without any intervention if intervention is available is...stupid. FFS indeed.

OP started out saying that she wasn't looking for hrt. Then some posters told her that she was wrong, that the appropriate treatment for menopause is hrt when that's not accurate. It is a possible treatment but not the only treatment or the best treatment.

OP: exactly right. I am looking for all other aspects like chronic inflammation, joints health, cholesterol, etc supplements.
Sadly this turned into a fight between HRT supporters and refusers. The fight is not surprising to me giving the platform, but why HRT supporters are so aggressive?
Is it an underlying fear of HRT long term side effects, or the fact that their complaints were not taking seriously enough in the medical community?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, I think the proof that peri/menopause impacts mood negatively and makes us lash out is demonstrated in a lot of these comments!

OP, you still even out there? I’m club HRT, BUT, if you don’t want HRT, I’d strongly recommend this book by a well credentialed exercise scientist (but not MD). She’s got a decent amount of advice on supplementation and also nutrition and exercise. Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond https://a.co/d/dgdE1aj

I think most scientists agree that: magnesium, Vitamin D and Fish Oil are most likely to help. Agree turmeric. Get a lot from eating a host of nuts and seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin, walnuts, and others). Cut out alcohol. Increase protein probably by more than you think is necessary and have it spaced out over your entire eating window. Consider overnight fasting of 12-14 hours. Lift heavy weights (with professional advice to make sure you have perfect form bc we are old and our backs and joints will suffer!)

But finally, recognize there fact that you are aiming for moderation in what you give you body esp you brain that likes consistency and normal levels not extremes. If you need a supplement is highly tied to what you’re eating and drinking normally.

OP:Thank you for the book recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FFS menopause is not a disease any more than puberty is. A lot of the resources people spend on unproven woo would be better directed to education and destigmatization. Saying that everyone with menopause is hormone deficient is like saying prepubertal children are hormone deficient. Menopause is a natural lifecycle transition for 100% of women on earth.

Tell me you aren't in menopause without telling me you aren't in menopause.

DP, saying you are in menopause is not an insult. - premenopausal woman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

Loss of estrogen causes decreased blood flow to the vagina and vulva. This includes the clitoris. It’s atrophy. Adding estrogen will increase blood flow. This is often reversible. I had both systemic and local vaginal estradiol and I got orgasms back. You can try just local vaginal estradiol and see if that helps. It does not travel, according to studies. You’ll want the cream (there are tablets and rings) so you can put some of the cream directly on your clit hood and labia.

[Anonymous]

NP. On one of these threads, maybe this one, I saw a recommendation of magnesium l-threonate for brain fog associated with perimenopause. I am mid-40s and was really struggling with word recall, getting very worried about it tbh. I started taking magnesium l-threonate (magtein) in the morning and before bed and I no longer have much problem with word recall, no more than I did 5 or 10 years ago.

[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.

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.🙏

I take a multi vitamin formulated for mature women and I also take liquid D3 once or twice weekly but not daily because I walk in the sun most days and use a lightbox every morning.

A few months ago I started on COQ10 and I feel like it has made a noticeable difference - it could just be coincidence, but I feel like I’m building muscle better in my weight training and walking routines. It helps the body convert energy and wanes with age, so it stands to reason the supplement might help.

My doctors always recommended Nature Made or Life Extension brands of supplements, because of the USP testing I think? But in general I recognize supplements aren’t regulated, so I don’t invest in many but rather mostly in wholesome foods. I eat walnuts daily for the omega 3, I try to eat garlic every day, broccoli or another cruciferous every day, peppers or onions or both daily, leafy greens, beans etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

Not OTC, but the Estring was a game changer for me as far as bringing my O back. It's a vaginal ring with estrogen you swap out every 90 days. Helps with vaginal dryness, atrophy, and orgasms, etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

Not OTC, but the Estring was a game changer for me as far as bringing my O back. It's a vaginal ring with estrogen you swap out every 90 days. Helps with vaginal dryness, atrophy, and orgasms, etc

Is there anything OTC to help with this issue?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

Not OTC, but the Estring was a game changer for me as far as bringing my O back. It's a vaginal ring with estrogen you swap out every 90 days. Helps with vaginal dryness, atrophy, and orgasms, etc

Is there anything OTC to help with this issue?

You’ll probably have to ask your doctor. It’s due to lack of blood flow to the tissue, from loss of estrogen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

lol you have no idea what you are talking about. Like, pharma is “well regulated?” get out of here.

Are you crazy? Yes, pharma is extremely tightly regulated. They can’t even do a clinical trial in the USA without scientific give regulatory review and approval let alone market anything.

NP. Clearly you didn’t read Empire of Pain. It’s been pay to play for awhile, in many cases.

Re supplements: For 3 years I had hpv that wouldn’t clear, even after having leep. I started taking lysine for a year, and then magically the cells were cleared. So, we can say that supplements don’t work, or we can try them and re-test or see if symptoms improve. Or, we can say my experience was purely a placebo.

I agree with so many of you who are frustrated with care in perimenopause.

Okay well your case of one who took a supplement for a year during which time an infection that tends to clear naturally cleared is definitely sound evidence that supplements work for HPV in a randomized controlled trial.

SMH.

The problem is this I think - supplements can be effective for a number if conditions. The research on turmeric/curcumin, as an example, is pretty strong. But…the supplement industry really isn’t regulated, either in terms of approvals of products or in terms of manufacturing. Yes, there are problems with Pharma (and I’ve read Empire of Pain) but if it I take 20 mg of Lipitor I can be pretty confident that’s what I’m taking and the dosage amount is what it’s supposed to be. Supplements are a lot dicier. I saw a recent study of tests of a number of brands of melatonin and the dosage amounts were very different than represented, often way too high.

What I’d like to see is regulation of supplement manufacturing so it would be possible to feel more assured you are at least getting the product being sold in the dosage you think you are getting. Without that, I’m very cautious about taking supplements. I’ve tried things here and there for specific concerns but I mostly avoid them.

It's true that supplements are unregulated, however, there are many brands that now submit to independent, 3rd party testing for purity and to verify that products contain the ingredients on the label in the specified amounts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this thread to see if you all have recs for OTC supplements to help with menopause symptoms, esp. a nonexistent libido. I mean, no sexual thoughts, cannot orgasm when I am even interested. I used to have enjoy sex. I don't need to be 25 again but would love to have some of that back.

Currently also experiencing lots of anxiety (in therapy and just started meds) that has spike bigly in the last 6-12 mos. Some weight gain. Trending hot (but not hot flashes). But the mood is a huge problem. Huge.

I've got a physical scheduled but I don't know how proficient my PCP is for menopause. So I may have to go beyond that. We'll see.

I'm not opposed to HRT. But I have a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (not cancer) and am worried about going down that road.

Can anyone answer this? Or point me in the right direction? I've reached out to a couple providers now and am getting the "should" be ok but make sure to follow up in case of cancer in the uterus type responses - which is not reassuring.

Who do you recommend in NOVA that is good with menopause symptoms and is knowledgeable. Some of the ones rec'd on here are a bit pricey and Alloy was not a good fit. The provider there was flippant and did not explain things.