Navigating the world of supplements may seem overwhelming, given the multitude of options. Yet, if you’re considering supplements to support you during the stages of menopause (perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause), it’s vital to choose ones aligned with your specific needs. Tailoring your supplement choices to address your health considerations can effectively support your body,give balance to your whole system,minimise your menopause symptoms, and pave the way for a smoother transition into a healthy later life. Menopausal women commonly experience symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and weight gain, making it important to select supplements that target these specific concerns.

When choosing a vitamin or supplement, especially for perimenopause or menopause support, it’s important to consider the following factors:

1. Ingredients Transparency

When selecting supplements, always choose brands that provide clear and transparent information about the ingredients in their products. Knowing what you're putting into your body is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. It's estimated that 90% of all vitamin supplements contain manufacturing fillers added to cut costs and prolong the shelf life. Always ensure your chosen supplements are free from these unnecessary chemicals, which can further disrupt hormone balance, and focused solely on delivering the vitamins and minerals you need without unwanted additives.

2. Natural and Clinically Proven Ingredients

Opt for supplements that use natural ingredients with proven efficacy; keep in mind that some supplements may only have a placebo effect, so it's important to look for evidence of real benefit. Ingredients like adaptogens, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and nootropics, that have scientific backing or evidence of traditional medical use for their benefits and results. And be aware that, while they may sound good, multivitamins and supplements with a long list of ingredients often offer insufficient amounts of the vitamins and nutrients needed for optimal health.

3.Tailored Formulas

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman, so choose supplements that offer tailored solutions. Whether you need support for hormonal balance, hot flushes, sleep disturbances, improved mood, mental resilience or to combat fatigue, a supplement line that provides options for specific needs is best. A healthy lifestyle, including attention to food choices and incorporating beneficial foods such as soy, can also play a key role in managing menopause symptoms.

At The Menopause Co., we firmly believe that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to menopause health. With over 34+ recognised menopause symptoms, each woman’s journey and combination of symptoms are uniquely her own. Therefore, we take an individualised approach focused on custom combinations of targeted supplements for results you can genuinely feel.

4. Compatible with Prescribed Menopause Medications

If you’re already taking prescribed menopause medications, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it’s essential to ensure that any supplements you add to your routine are compatible. Some supplements can interact with hormone therapy or other medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For instance, St. John’s Wort is known to interfere with hormone replacement therapy HRT and other medications, while herbal ingredients like red clover may interact with blood thinners. Wild yam supplements can also affect diabetes medications. To safely manage your menopause symptoms, always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. They can provide personalized advice, help you avoid unwanted interactions, and ensure that your approach to managing menopause is both safe and effective. This is especially important for women using prescribed menopausal hormone therapy, as the right combination of treatments can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

5. Red Flags to Watch Out For

When shopping for menopause supplements, it’s important to be aware of potential red flags that could signal unsafe or ineffective products. Be cautious of supplements that promise to “cure” menopause symptoms or claim to “balance” hormone levels, these statements are often too good to be true. Avoid products containing unapproved or undisclosed ingredients, and steer clear of supplements that have not been tested for safety and efficacy. Women with a history of breast cancer or those taking other medications should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. By staying vigilant and seeking expert advice, you can minimize risks and make confident choices about your menopause treatment options, ensuring your supplements support your health and well-being.

6. Quality Manufacturing and Testing

In the loosely regulated world of supplements and vitamins, be cautious of products made in uninspected facilities with minimal testing and checks. In Australia, opt for products either approved by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) or, like The Menopause Co. products, produced in a compounding pharmacy that's licenced and qualified to make medicine using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.This ensures that what's on the label is what's actually in the product and that it meets high-quality standards.

7. Compatible with Perscribed Menopause Medications

Ensure that the menopause supplements you choose are compatible with any prescribed menopause medications you may be taking. It's important to avoid potential interactions or conflicts between supplement ingredients and medications.

All of our formulations at The Menopause Co. have been carefully created so you can mix and match to target your unique combination of symptoms and are designed to be compatible alongside prescribed menopause medications. When you purchase our products, we ask that you confidentially disclose any medications you are taking. If there is any concern, our pharmacist will contact you directly to discuss.

Remember, if you have any concerns about ways to boost collagen naturally or adding new supplements to your daily routine, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional or menopause specialist.

Discover our range of natural, evidance-based supplements,developed to support your body and your needs before, during and after this transitionary life stage.

This article has been reviewed by our expert advisory team.