Supplements for menopausal symptoms

Your body needs nutrients to function properly. They fuel the body with energy to be able to do everyday tasks and to ensure bodily functions, such as the production of hormones, remain optimal.

You should be able to get all of the essential vitamins and minerals through your diet. However, experience has shown that during certain stages of life, this is not enough. Worldwide, historical declines in micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements) of potatoes, vegetables and fruits have been reported. Soil mineral depletion by agriculture, methods of fertiliser application as well our cooking methods are in part to blame for these declines.

Sometimes your body uses more nutrients in response to certain situations. This, too, can lead to nutrient deficiencies. During stressful times, for example, you need more Vitamin B and magnesium. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, so it can easily become depleted. Scientific research shows that malnutrition is associated with accelerated ageing and can contribute to additional complaints and disorders.

Therefore, it’s important to supplement your diet with certain vitamins and minerals, especially during the menopausal transition. For example, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D play a crucial role in bone renewal, and omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable for keeping your hormones balanced, reducing inflammation and controlling your blood pressure. You also need so-called cofactors and coenzymes (including Vitamin B, magnesium and omega-3) for the production and conversion of hormones.

Dietary supplements can help supplement nutrients that your body may not receive in sufficient amounts from your regular diet. Depending on your symptoms and on what type of imbalance is occurring, you can give your body targeted support by controlling biochemical processes. With our Decision Aid, you can easily discover what supplements you can take to help with your symptoms. For example:

• Magnesium Citrate for mood swings, gloominess and sleep problems*. Magnesium has a calming effect, improves mental well-being and boosts energy*. It also improves bowel movement and prevents constipation*.
• Ultimate Bone Support enhances bone health in women with osteoporosis*. Contains Vitamins D3 and K2, calcium, magnesium, manganese, boron, copper and zinc to keep bones strong*.
• Herbal Female Complex for hormonal problems*. A complex with natural herbs that helps improve hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems*.

Of course, every woman is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Find out what your body needs and keep in mind that supplements take time to work their magic. Give it a few months. Also, bear in mind that supplements may interfere with medications you are taking.

* Health claim pending approval by the European Commission.

Dietary supplements can be a good way to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, but they are not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

• Supplements are not a quick fix. Give it some time. They can provide benefits when taken regularly over a period of at least three months. Also, you should distinguish between supplements for nutrient deficiencies, which are for continuous use (such as Vitamin D or omega-3), and supplements to relieve symptoms, which should be gradually reduced.
• Check the best time of the day to take your supplements. While some supplements should be taken with a meal, other supplements are best taken on an empty stomach because they may not be absorbed properly when taken with food. The optimal time of day to take supplements may vary. We've broken down the different types of supplements and the ideal time of the day to take them.
• Don't grab a random box off the pharmacy shelf. Take a close look at the dosage form and other important factors. How is it absorbed? What are the ingredients? Many supplements contain unnecessary additives. It’s also important to pick the right supplements for your health needs. Our Decision Aid can help you with this.
• Pay attention to quality. Choose dietary supplements that are free of preservatives, fillers, colourants, gluten and yeast. Read the package leaflet carefully to know what side effects it might have.

For 75 years, Solgar® has been creating the finest, science-backed nutritional supplements. From the very start, the brand chose to work with nutrition scientists to develop formulas using the best nature has to offer, in accordance with the highest quality standards, and without artificial ingredients or fillers.

Solgar produces in small batches to ensure optimal quality and freshness, using as many natural, sustainable and plant-based ingredients as possible. Almost all supplements are vegan, free of gluten and lactose, kosher, halal and free of genetic modification (non-GMO). Inspired by nature, backed by science.