Gut health supplements for perimenopause and menopause
Taking supplements for menopause and perimenopause can improve gut issues and overall health. In this guide, we look at good supplements to help you enjoy a happy menopause.
Why take gut health supplements for perimenopause and menopause?
94% of women going through menopause experience gut issues, more than a third of whom have never experienced gut health issues before.
The most common gut issues reported are:
Bloating
Constipation
Stomach pain
Acid reflux
The gut issues are a result of ovaries gradually reducing their production of estrogen (also known as oestrogen) and progesterone. This results in fluctuating hormone levels which can impact the entire body, including gut health.
Taking supplements during the menopause can make a huge difference in improving gut issues, balancing gut bacteria, reducing bloating, improving digestion, and supporting overall health.
Gut health supplements for menopause and perimenopause
Probiotics
Estrogen loss during menopause can reduce the amount and variety of beneficial bacteria in the gut environment (known as the microbiome), which can lead to gut health issues including inflammation and “leaky gut”.
Probiotics could be good supplements for menopause as they can help restore balance in the microbiome and alleviating the discomfort caused by harmful gut bacteria.
By improving gut barrier function, probiotic supplements may also help regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation.
Read more about probiotics and gut health.
You can ingest probiotics in two ways:
Eating probiotic-rich food such as yoghurt, cheese and sauerkraut: read more about diet and the menopause
Probiotic supplements, in the form of tablets and powders. Altruvita’s probiotic supplement, ProfBiotics Complex+, has been formulated by our expert medical & nutrition advisory team to replenish beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthy, thriving gut environment.
Herbal supplements
Herbs with antimicrobial properties and specialised herbal supplements can help restore balance in the gut (they can also treat digestive conditions such as SIBO):
Antimicrobial herbs include:
Thyme leaf
Sage leaf
Berberine
Oregano
Ginger
Lemon Balm leaf
Olive leaf
Stinging Nettle root
Hops
Supplements to support overall health during menopause
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral and plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Many women take magnesium for menopause symptoms, including sleep disturbances, mood changes and bone health.
Read more about taking magnesium supplements during menopause
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, made by the body through the action of sunlight on the skin, and is essential for good bone health.
Although it can be sourced through diet in small amounts, the best way to ensure you get plenty of Vitamin-D all year round is with a supplement.
AltruVita’s Vitamin D3 1000IU is formulated by our expert medical & nutrition advisory team to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscle health, reduce tiredness and fatigue and support immunity.
Tips for taking supplements for menopause and perimenopause
To improve the effectiveness of your supplement, there are a few steps you can take:
Talk to the experts
When treating digestive issues during the menopause, consulting with health practitioners can provide valuable guidance and support. Our in-house nutritionists offer free consultations to help guide you on your next steps.
Do your research
With so many supplements out there, it can be difficult to decide which supplement is right for you and your menopause symptoms.
At AltruVita, we take a unique, evidence-led approach to digestive health. Using our extensive medical and nutritional expertise, we carefully select the highest quality and most researched ingredients to support optimal gut function and long-term digestive wellbeing.
Be consistent
All supplements work best if you take them regularly.
Take one supplement at a time
If you wish to try different supplements, try one product at a time (and not with other dietary changes) for at least four weeks.
Keep a symptom diary
To help you to monitor the effect probiotics have on your digestive symptoms. This can then be shown to any professionals you see too.
Seek medical advice
If you experience new, persistent gut health symptoms during perimenopause or menopause you should consult a healthcare professional.
Other ways improve your gut health during menopause:
There is lots you can do during menopause and perimenopause to manage and minimise the impact on your gut health and restore hormonal balance:
Modify your diet
Pelvic floor exercises
Look after your mental health
Stay active
Find out more about supporting your gut health during menopause
Have a Gut Reset
Our free guide will help alleviate and even prevent common digestive issues. It is full of easy diet and lifestyle tips to restore your gut health and keep you feeling your best throughout your menopause
Frequently asked questions about supplements and the menopause
What are the best supplements for menopause symptom relief?
Probiotic and herbal supplements can help improve gut health symptoms during menopause, whilst magnesium and vitamin D supplements can support overall health.
Where can I buy reputable menopause relief supplements?
At AltruVita, we take a unique, evidence-led approach to digestive health. Using our extensive medical and nutritional expertise, we carefully select the highest quality and most researched ingredients to support optimal gut function and long-term digestive wellbeing.
Our range of expertly formulated gut health supplements can be ordered online, with free UK delivery and subscribe & save options available.