Awareness of the menopause has risen in recent years, thanks to increased openness around the life stage. Discussions surrounding symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness have transcended hushed coffee dates and brunches to become a hot topic across social media and among celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Obama and Emma Thompson.
The normalisation of the menopause has not only helped de-stigmatise what every woman will go through in middle age, but has also triggered a wave of products to help those suffering continue to live their best lives. Because nobody wants to be losing their confidence after they've hustled their way to the top of their career, or finally have the time to enjoy a fulfilling sex life now the kids are older.
A cool new family of menopause supplements has arrived on the market. Just like popping sleep supplements for a good night's kip, or beauty supplements for skin and hair health, the best menopause supplements have been specifically formulated to support your body’s hormonal fluctuations during the menopause. Interested? We’ve called on the experts to explain the basics of menopause and find out which menopause supplements actually work.
What is the menopause?
Put simply, it is when periods have stopped for 12 months or more. “Perimenopause is the years prior to menopause when women begin to experience symptoms, although they still have regular - or irregular - cycles,” explains Dr Laila Kaikavoosi is a GP, menopause specialist and founder of the Online Menopause Centre. “The menopause technically begins once they have stopped entirely.” Which is why it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your bleeds using a period tracking app.
So, what are the signs? “Since we have oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone receptors on almost every organ, the symptoms which emerge when these hormones reduce are many and cover most of our body,” notes Dr Kaikavoosi. “Some of the most commonly experienced are hot flushes and night sweats, joint and muscle aches and pains, sleep disturbance, mood swings as well as irritability and increased anxiety, along with headaches and foggy brain, low libido and skin rashes.”
When does the menopause start?
It entirely depends. “Our hormones dip around eight to ten years before the actual menopause,” notes Dr Tania Adib, consultant gynaecologist at Luminosa London. During this time, the perimenopause, hormone fluctuations can cause fatigue, insomnia, depression and low libido, with one of the clearest signs being the worsening of PMS around seven to ten days before each period.
“Menopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55, with 51 being the average age of menopause in the UK,” says Dr Kaikavoosi. “However, it’s important to note that menopause can start at any point.” This could be as a result of surgery, like a hysterectomy, or as a side-effect of medical treatment, such as chemotherapy for cancer - although some women simply have a family history of early menopause. “There is no end time to menopause - you technically remain post-menopausal for life,” she adds. However, research has found that symptoms last an average of four-and-a-half years after your final bleed.
Which is the most popular supplement to ease menopause symptoms?
It’s important to note that while menopause supplements may help symptoms, they cannot be considered a miracle cure. “Which supplements a woman needs is very individual, since it revolves around her diet, lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions,” warns Dr Kaikavoosi. If in doubt, particularly if you are already taking prescribed medication, seek professional advice.
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