Supplements & Vitamins During Menopause

During menopause, many changes occur in the body, and the need for over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements can change as well. Here's what you can do to alleviate symptoms and hopefully feel a bit better.

Menopause – Hormonal Balance Changes
During perimenopause, the ovaries' function decreases, and menstruation becomes irregular, often more frequent and heavier. After perimenopause, during menopause, periods become more sporadic before eventually stopping altogether (the last period is called menopause). This phase can last from a few years to over a decade, and symptoms can range from mild to troublesome. A common factor for all women is the drop in estrogen levels, which affects the body's hormonal balance.

Different Phases of Menopause
Menopause can be divided into three distinct periods – perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

Perimenopause (Before Menopause)
This is the period before the last period. Many women experience irregular periods that are often heavier and come more frequently, which can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is wise to take iron supplements during this period. Mood swings, sadness, breast tenderness, weight gain, and hot flashes are also common. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman's 40s, though it can begin earlier.

Menopause
Most women enter menopause around the age of 50. At this point, periods often become very infrequent, perhaps only a few times a year, or they may stop completely. Hot flashes, sleep difficulties, heart palpitations, and feelings of depression or tearfulness are common. The last period is called menopause.

Postmenopause (After Menopause)
This is the period, and the rest of life, after the last period. Many women find this time to be wonderful – finally, no more thinking about period products or contraception. However, it is also common to experience dry and fragile mucous membranes, a higher risk of urinary tract infections, and some women may suffer from poor sleep due to changes in the body.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Menopause Symptoms
If you are experiencing significant symptoms related to menopause, it's best to consult your doctor. For milder symptoms, there are several over-the-counter products you can try. The staff at our pharmacies can assist you with this.

There are a few over-the-counter medications developed for menopause-related symptoms. If you have been in contact with healthcare and know that your symptoms are due to estrogen deficiency, you can treat yourself with over-the-counter estrogen products. For example, vaginal tablets, creams, or gels for local treatment of the genital area.

Supplements for Menopause Symptoms
For bone health, calcium and vitamin D help maintain normal bone structure. Vitamin D also contributes to normal calcium absorption, so combining these supplements can be beneficial. 

Herbal Teas for Menopause Symptoms
Herbal teas can be a gentle, natural remedy to help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. Various herbs have been traditionally used to support hormonal balance, reduce hot flashes, and improve overall well-being during this time.

• Koola Herbal Products: Koola's Menopause Blend contains traditional African herbs from trees that are hundreds of years old. These herbs have been traditionally used to relieve menopause symptoms, improve memory, balance hormones, reduce the intensity of hot flashes, improve blood circulation, and provide a relaxing effect. Incorporating this blend into your daily routine can be a soothing way to support your body during menopause.
• Red Clover: Known for its phytoestrogen content, red clover may help regulate hormone levels and relieve hot flashes. Drinking red clover tea is a soothing option for those seeking natural relief.
• Peppermint: While it’s often used for digestion, peppermint tea can also help with hot flashes and may promote relaxation, aiding in better sleep during menopause.
• Lemon Balm: This herb is known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties. Lemon balm tea can help reduce feelings of stress and support emotional balance during the transition of menopause.

While herbal teas and blends like Koola's can offer comfort and relief, it's important to remember that they work best as part of a holistic approach to managing menopause. If you have severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.