Supplements & Perimenopause?
I love when clients ask this question: “Which supplements should I take during peri-menopause?” The supplemental industry is worth an estimated $1.82 billion dollars in 2023 and is expected to reach over $300 billion by 2030. A massive industry, unregulated by the FDA. With so much product on the market, no wonder there is mass confusion.
How to figure out which Supplement to take?
Always begin with a consultation with your medical provider. Data is king and a blood test is the best place to start. Many of us are deficient in iron and magnesium, and addressing these deficiencies can move you from feeling mediocre to AMAZING -literally.
Do your research. The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, meaning anything may be added to the supplement, including ingredients that are not health beneficial. It’s your responsibility to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Contact the company directly if there is any missing product information on the bottle.
Document how your body responds to a supplement over a three - month period. I recommend monthly check-ins. How are you feeling? Has there been any health benefit? Ask yourself what is the specific reason you’re taking this supplement and how is your body responding. If you don’t feel any different after three months, consider switching it up.
As I write this blog, I know I won’t be the same person tomorrow and my body will continue to change and evolve. In this moment I’m taking, the following supplements, to support my body during this phase of perimenopause:
Shepherds Purse: Taken in liquid form under the tongue. Recommended by my naturopath to curtail the gushing period flow, that is part of the erratic phase of perimenopause. I don’t leave the house with it out it!!
Magnesium Glycinate Chelate: A slightly stronger version of magnesium glycerinate. I’ve noticed in my body, I sleep heavier eliminating the 2am hormonal wake up. I do wake up a little foggy but nothing movement or a morning coffee can’t shift.
D3 & K2 - recommended by Dr Mark Hyman, a functional medical practitioner for bone health together, for better calcium absorption. Impossible to notice in my body but I take this supplement with magnesium at night to improve the quality of my REM sleep cycle. You can collect sleep data on your Apple Watch or Oura ring. As always consult with your medical advisor and try for yourself.
Iron: I take this religiously with my period as they are heavy in nature and currently last much longer. I hope this changes soon! I ensure my iron level remains stable. Blood tests indicate a drop when I neglect to take.
L-theanine: I take with my morning coffee and have noticed I don’t have the caffeine surge and crash. My morning energy remains consistent. This supplement supports relaxation and focus and I’m here for it. I feel calmer and less reactive. The entire house has noticed!
As always, I hope this information encourages you to be curious and ask questions about supplements. The more information we have, the better decision we can make for your ourselves. Do you have a supplement you can absolutely not live without? Please share what it is and why it helps you.
Much love, Jessica
