One of the most intense things a woman has to experience during her lifetime is menopause, and nowadays, they’re being told that there are certain supplements that can help alleviate some of the more difficult symptoms.
However, there seem to be a lot of different sources that want to tell you which supplements are best for the big transition, so it can get confusing. That’s why it’s better to take advice from a medical professional who works with these kinds of supplements, like a pharmacist. Luckily, Steven C. Hoffart, Pharm.D., FAAFM, a pharmacist and content creator from Magnolia Pharmacy in Texas, recently made a video about five supplements that can “radically change” the lives of women over 40 who want to “live happier and healthier.”
“Certain supplements can actually help set you up for success and eliminate many of the issues you’re dealing with,” says Hoffart at the start of his video. Check out his five recommendations below.
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1. A 'Good' Multivitamin
Both children and adults can begin taking a multivitamin to ensure all their nutritional needs are met, especially if they do not eat a balanced diet every day. But if you're a woman over 40 and want to help ease some of the symptoms you've begun experiencing with age, Hoffart suggests looking for a multivitamin that contains extra methylated B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.
"During these transitional years, your adrenal glands have to pick up the slack," says Hoffart regarding certain hormones. "When you support your adrenals, you're gonna have better success in terms of transitioning and helping with things like energy, fatigue, and tiredness."
2. A 'Good' Probiotic
If you're not already taking a daily probiotic to support your gut health, you may want to start taking one, especially after you reach a certain age.
"As you're getting older, your gut just doesn't work the way it used to," explains Hoffart.
"A good probiotic helps strengthen the immune system, improves your gut health, and helps with overall digestion, which can help you feel better as you age."
Probiotics come in a variety of packages and prices, so if you need a little help selecting the best one for you and your circumstances, you may want to speak to your doctor or local pharmacist to see which brand would be the most beneficial.
3. Vitamin D
Known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is an essential nutrient for human beings to consume on a daily basis, as it plays a significant role in our bone health, muscle strength, and immune function. Hoffart notes that getting in an "adequate amount" of vitamin D is especially important as you get older, and suggests taking a supplement to ensure you're getting what you need, as it's "critical during menopause."
"Many symptoms of low vitamin D, mimics the symptoms of menopause," adds Hoffart.
"Making sure we're taking adequate amounts of D3 + K to help reduce inflammation, improve your immune system, and strengthen your bones is critical."
4. Omega-3
Hoffart suggests looking for and taking a high-quality omega-3 supplement if you're over 40 years old.
"The menopause years are marked with inflammation, and omega-3 is your go-to to reduce this," says Hoffart.
"In addition, it helps improve cardiovascular health, improves mood, and decreases inflammation overall in the body."
Reducing inflammation becomes a priority for many people as they age, as specific injuries can cause inflammation to worsen throughout the body. Therefore, taking an omega-3 supplement regularly can help ensure that everything stays balanced and you won't have to suffer as much.
5. Magnesium
In his video, Hoffart notes that one of the worst and most common symptoms of menopause and aging in general is issues with sleep. There's also the matter of muscle aches and pains, but luckily, this supplement can help with both of those things.
Magnesium, more specifically magnesium-glycinate, can help regulate your sleep patterns, treat aches and pains, and lower your levels of anxiety.
People of all ages have started taking magnesium as it's been shown to help improve sleep, so if you're looking for a bit of support in that area, you should try it out.
As with starting any new supplement or medicine, you'll want to speak to your doctor about how it will affect you, given your personal medical history. Still, it's good to know that Hoffart's top five supplements for women over 40 are accessible, generally safe, and found in most chain pharmacies.
