Menopause Supplements and Hormone Tests: A Practitioner Guide
Supplement considerations
PeriMenoFriend®
Supports hormonal balance and alleviates symptoms associated with perimenopause such as hot flushes, mood swings and sleep disturbances through a blend of phytoestrogens and adaptogens.
Vegan Omega 3
Helps manage inflammation, supports cognitive function and reduces cardiovascular risk, which increases in postmenopause.1
MenoFriend®
Supports hormonal balance and alleviates symptoms after the cessation of menstrual cycles such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances through a blend of phytoestrogens and adaptogens.
Vitamin D3 & K2
Essential for calcium absorption and bone health, as well as immune and mood support, which are crucial during menopause.2
Gut Works®
Supports gut health and reduces inflammation, which can play a role in hormone regulation and overall wellbeing during menopause. Probiotics can increase calcium absorption.3
pH Hero®
Promotes healthy urovaginal tissues, helps to maintain tissue integrity and protects against urovaginal infections, which are common in perimenopause and menopause.4
Ashwagandha KSM-66®
As a temporary remedy over 1-3 months, Ashwagandha root could be a useful Ayurvedic remedy to provide support for perimenopausal individuals, who are feeling anxious or generally low.5
Testing considerations
| Test | Marker | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Hormonal Panel | Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone | Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone evaluates androgen levels to assess causes of symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, hair thinning, and metabolic changes. Elevated levels may indicate androgen excess or adrenal dysfunction. |
| DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) | DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) helps differentiate between ovarian and adrenal sources of androgen production and assess adrenal function. Declining DHEA-S levels can contribute to fatigue and poor stress resilience. | |
| LH and FSH (Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) | LH & FSH (Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) assesses ovarian function and confirms menopausal status by indicating loss of ovarian reserve. Elevated FSH levels alongside low oestrogen suggest menopause. | |
| Prolactin | Prolactin rules out hyperprolactinaemia, which can mimic menopausal symptoms such as irregular periods, mood changes and fatigue. | |
| Oestrogen | Oestrogen (oestradiol) declining levels confirm perimenopause/ menopause. | |
| Progesterone | Progesterone assesses luteal phase deficiency and hormone fluctuations affecting mood, sleep and cycle regularity in perimenopausal women. | |
| Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3) | ||
| Bone Density Scan (Dexa) | Bone density | Perimenopausal and menopausal women are at a higher risk of weakening bones. Women who have had fractures or have a family history of osteopaenia or osteoporosis should monitor their bone density early on. |
| Lipid Profile | LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides | Cardiovascular disease risk increases after menopause. Lipid profile monitoring helps guide dietary and lifestyle interventions. |
| Vitamin D, Folate And B12 | 25-Hydroxyvitamin D | 25-Hydroxyvitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is common in menopausal women. |
| Folate | Folate is important for DNA synthesis and cardiovascular health. Low levels may contribute to cognitive decline and elevated homocysteine levels. | |
| Vitamin B12 | Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and energy metabolism. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, neuropathy, and cognitive impairment, which may be mistaken for menopause symptoms. | |
| Methylmalonic acid | Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) is a more sensitive marker for B12 deficiency, particularly in cases where serum B12 levels appear normal but functional deficiency is suspected. | |
| Homocysteine | Homocysteine | Elevated levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and more severe menopause symptoms. Monitoring ensures optimal methylation and vascular health. |