Patients should be especially careful with St. John's wort while receiving hormone replacement therapy. This herbal supplement may accelerate the metabolism of certain medications, including hormones used in hormone replacement therapy, which could reduce their effectiveness and cause a decrease in therapeutic results. Health professionals often advise against using St.
John's wort in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy. St. John's Wort may also prevent HRT tablets and capsules work. TRH patches will be less affected by this.
Herbal remedies that contain St. John's wort can affect the way hormone therapy works and make it less effective. It cannot be said that it is safe to take other herbal remedies and supplements in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy. They are not tested in the same way as drugstore or prescription drugs.
They are usually not tested to determine what effect they may have on other medications. This supplement is not recommended during hormone replacement therapy. Some herbal supplements, especially those containing phytoestrogens, such as soy isoflavones and red clover, can interfere with hormone therapy by altering estrogen levels. In addition, high doses of vitamin E and certain adaptogens may influence the way the body metabolizes therapy hormones.
hormone replacement. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, which marks the end of her menstrual cycles and usually occurs between the late 40s and early 50s. This is not an isolated event, but rather a gradual process that can last several years and cause significant changes in hormone levels. These changes usually cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from hot flashes and night sweats to mood changes and sleep disorders.
Some women may also experience weight gain and hair thinning, making this transition a unique personal experience. Overcoming the perimenopausal transition and the years after menopause can be a smoother experience with the right strategies and support.
Managing symptoms is crucial to maintaining a good quality of life, and there are several ways to do this, including lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy.
Some people choose to take supplements to ease their symptoms. However, before doing so, it's important to consult with your doctor (ideally a professional who specializes in menopause) and to talk to your pharmacist about any possible interactions with the medications you're currently taking. Plus, not all supplements are effective or even safe, and that's where this list of supplements you shouldn't take for menopause comes into play.The market is flooded with a variety of supplements, each promising to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but not all of them work. Some may even have potential risks and side effects, ranging from mild problems, such as digestive discomfort, to more serious complications, such as interactions with prescription medications. Supplements are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals, meaning that their safety and efficacy are not guaranteed. This is why it is essential to choose wisely, focusing on reputable sources and, ideally, on products that have been independently verified. Also, keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another, so it's important to seek personalized advice from a menopausal specialist.
Despite its popularity for managing symptoms of depression and mood disorders, St. John's wort may not be the best choice for managing menopausal symptoms. John's Wort has been linked to reducing hot flashes during menopause, but there isn't enough evidence to suggest that it actually has these benefits. In addition, there are many drug interactions to worry about, such as blood thinners, contraceptives, immunosuppressants, and cardiovascular and anticancer drugs.
These interactions can decrease the effectiveness of medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. John's Wort itself can cause side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms, and confusion. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands, which acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Its levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age, which has generated interest in taking DHEA supplements to counteract age-related conditions, including menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and decreased libido.
However, DHEA supplementation during menopause is not universally recommended. There is conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness, as well as concerns about potential risks. Some studies suggest that DHEA may improve certain menopausal symptoms and increase bone density, but research isn't completely clear. Individual responses to DHEA vary widely, and there are no large, long-term studies to support its use in menopause.
In addition, DHEA can affect cholesterol levels, cause liver damage, and increase the risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. People can turn to licorice root during perimenopause in the hope of alleviating hot flashes and mood swings. Studies suggest that compounds in licorice root may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, possibly mitigating the natural decline in estrogen that occurs during menopause. However, this supplement may not be appropriate for everyone, says Michelle Routhenstein, M, S.
In fact, blood pressure can increase gradually during menopause due to hormonal changes and weight gain. Menstruation causes blood loss, which can increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia. If you've had heavy periods or struggled with iron deficiency, you may have taken an iron supplement. Excessive iron intake can lead to iron overload, a condition medically known as hemochromatosis that causes a variety of health problems, such as liver damage, heart problems, diabetes and joint pain.
Too much iron in the body can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and changes in skin color. Vitex, also known as chaste tree berry or sauzgatillo, has been used historically for its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, even during menopause. It is believed to act indirectly on the endocrine system, helping to regulate hormone levels and reduce menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes. Unfortunately, there is no good research to prove that the herb is an effective treatment.
Vitex also produces a number of possible side effects, including headaches and digestive problems. In addition, because vitex affects hormone levels, it may not be right for you if you are taking hormone-related medications or if you have been diagnosed with hormone-sensitive diseases, such as breast cancer, of the uterus or of the ovary. Vitex also interacts with medications and supplements, such as antipsychotics and medications for Parkinson's disease. Supplements can take place during menopause.
However, not all supplements that are marketed as “must-haves” during menopause are actually safe or appropriate. Navigating the world of supplements can be overwhelming and complicated, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking medications. The best thing to do is to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any menopausal supplement regimen. Not only will that help you stay safe, but since supplements are expensive, you can also save money.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Following a Mediterranean-style diet may help improve menopausal symptoms and the side effects of estradiol. Supplements that contain GLA are usually safe for most, especially women with a history of hormone-related cancer.
However, GLA should be avoided if you are taking a prescription anticoagulant treatment, because of the mild anticoagulant effect that GLA may have. In addition, it is also believed that GLA may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy, so it should be avoided in this case. Women with certain health conditions, such as a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, blood clot disorders, or liver disease, should be careful when combining supplements with HRT. Although they are suitable and very useful for all women to try, these natural remedies can be particularly useful for those who have been advised to avoid any hormonal or phytohormonal treatment.
In general, experts agree that combining supplements with hormone therapy can be beneficial if done correctly, but they also stress the importance of caution. Some supplements may contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, which could alter hormone balance in a way that isn't ideal for women who take hormone therapy. For example, supplements such as calcium and vitamin D are commonly taken to support bone health, since hormone replacement therapy doesn't always provide enough protection against osteoporosis. A healthcare professional can help you determine which supplements are safe to take and which may interact with your HRT.
It's critical that you thoroughly research any supplements you're considering, especially those that contain herbs or compounds that can mimic or influence hormone levels. It is vital to adopt a balanced approach to supplementation during hormone replacement therapy, making sure not to undermine the intended benefits of the therapy. Supplements can improve and interfere with HRT, depending on their ingredients and how they affect the body's hormonal balance. If you experience side effects from hormone therapy or supplements, or if you're not sure what your supplement options are, your doctor can recommend how to adjust your regimen to improve your health and well-being during menopause.
Magnesium supplements are often taken to mitigate certain side effects of hormone therapy, such as swelling or fluid retention. Supplements such as calcium, vitamin D and magnesium can complement hormone therapy by supporting bone health and reduce fatigue. On the other hand, certain herbal supplements, such as black cohosh or red clover, may enhance the effects of hormone therapy when treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Women who choose to combine supplements with hormone therapy often do so because they want to address specific problems that hormone therapy alone may not be able to fully alleviate.
While you may be looking for hormonal help, these supplements may not help you during menopause.
