Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her menstrual cycle and usually occurs in her late 40s to early 50s. This is not just a single event, but a gradual process over several years that leads to significant changes in hormone levels. These changes often cause a variety of symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and sleep problems. Some women may experience weight gain or thinning hair, but this transition can be a uniquely personal experience.
With the right strategies and support, you can move through the perimenopausal transition and postmenopause more smoothly. Managing symptoms is important to maintaining a good quality of life, and there are many ways to do this, including lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy.
Some people choose to take supplements to relieve symptoms. However, before doing so, it is important to consult your doctor (preferably a menopause specialist) and your pharmacist about possible interactions with any medications you are currently taking. Additionally, not all supplements are effective or safe. That’s why this list of supplements that you shouldn’t take during menopause comes into play.
The importance of choosing the right supplements
The market is flooded with various supplements, each promising to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but not all of them are effective. They can also pose potential risks and side effects, ranging from minor problems such as gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious complications such as interactions with prescription medications. Supplements are not as strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals, so their safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely, focusing on products that have been verified by reliable sources and ideally third-party testing. Also keep in mind that what works for one person may not be suitable for another. That’s why it’s important to seek personalized advice from a menopause specialist.
5 supplements you shouldn’t take for menopause
1. St. John’s Wort
Despite its popularity for managing symptoms of depression and mood disorders, St. John’s Wort may not be the best choice for managing symptoms of menopause. First, St. John’s wort has been linked to reducing menopausal hot flashes, but there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that it actually has such benefits. In addition, there are many drug interactions to worry about, including anticoagulants, contraceptives, immunosuppressants, cardiovascular drugs, and cancer drugs. These interactions can decrease the effectiveness of your medications or increase your risk for serious side effects. Additionally, St. John’s wort itself can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms, and confusion.
2. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands that acts as a precursor to male and female hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Its levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age, making it important to supplement with DHEA to combat age-related symptoms, including menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased sex drive. There is a lot of interest.
However, DHEA supplementation during menopause is not generally recommended. There is mixed evidence about its effectiveness and concerns about potential risks. Some research suggests that DHEA may improve certain menopausal symptoms and increase bone density, but the research is not entirely clear. Individual responses to DHEA vary widely, and there are no large-scale, long-term studies to support the use of DHEA for menopause. Additionally, DHEA can affect cholesterol levels, cause liver damage, and increase the risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
3. Licorice root
People may turn to licorice root during perimenopause in hopes of alleviating hot flashes and mood swings. Research suggests that compounds found in licorice root may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and alleviate the natural decline in estrogen that occurs during menopause. But this supplement may not be right for everyone, says Michelle Ruthenstein, M.D., preventive cardiology nutritionist at Entirely Nourished and medical advisory board member for the National Menopause Foundation. “Some people consider using licorice root to naturally increase estrogen levels, but it is best to refrain from using it as it can increase blood pressure. This concern becomes even more prevalent during menopause. “It can increase,” she explained. In fact, blood pressure can gradually rise during menopause due to hormonal changes and weight gain.
4. Iron
Menstruation can cause blood loss and increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia. If you have heavy periods or suffer from iron deficiency, you may have taken iron supplements. But times have changed. “Iron may need to be removed from your supplement lineup after menopause,” explains Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, owner of The Hormone Dietitian. “Once you stop losing blood during your monthly period, it’s easier to get too much iron from supplements,” she added.
Consuming too much iron can lead to iron overload, medically known as hemochromatosis, which can lead to a variety of health problems including liver damage, heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. Excess iron in the body can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and changes in skin color.
5. Vitex
Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry or chaste berry, has been utilized historically for its potential to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as menopause. It is thought to act indirectly on the endocrine system, regulating hormone levels and reducing symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes. Unfortunately, there is no good research showing this herb to be an effective treatment.
Vitex also has a number of potential side effects, including headaches and digestive problems. Additionally, Vitex affects hormone levels, so if you are taking hormone-related medications or have been diagnosed with a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer. Vitex may not be suitable. Vitex also interacts with medications and supplements, such as Parkinson’s disease medications and antipsychotics.
conclusion
Supplements may be useful for menopausal symptoms. However, not all supplements marketed as menopausal “must-haves” are actually safe or appropriate. Navigating the world of supplements can be overwhelming and difficult, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Your best bet is to consult your health care professional before starting any supplement therapy during menopause. Not only will it keep you safe, but it will also save you money since supplements are expensive.
