By Frankie Brogan
Senior Nutritionist
Must-haves for Menopause
Menopause is a natural process all women go through and in itself, isn't a problem that needs solving. With that said, the process (which is characterized by a natural decline in oestrogen) brings with it a range of symptoms that many women seek help for. Here, we'll talk about a few key menopause supplements any woman approaching menopause and beyond should consider for a smoother ride.
Omega 7 SBA24
Menopause can bring with it, intimidate dryness - a common cause of discomfort, painful intercourse and loss of libido. Popular and effective menopause supplements to address this though are the omega-7 rich sea buckthorn.
The oil of sea buckthorn berries boasts a wide range of nutrients neces
sary for the maintenance of mucous membranes cells that line delicate body areas including eyes, digestive system and genital regions. Sea buckthorn also includes an impressive profile of healthy fats including omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9. It also includes a range of vitamins including beta-carotene, which contributes to healthy mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are responsible for regulating moisture but are also prone to attack from free radicals, inducing inflammation and dryness.
While there's a range of sea buckthorn omega 7 supplements available, only a few use the clinically supported formula SBA24. To date, Omega 7 SBA24 is the only standardized preparation featured in clinical trials and research, making it a universally trusted option.
Pycnogenol
Derived from the park of pine trees found in the pristine and sustainable French forests, Pycnogenol has found its way into many people's supplement regimes for great reasons. Known as nature's most versatile supplement, Pycnogenol demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and circulation boosting properties in over 400 studies over 40 years. These properties translate into a wide range of potential health benefits including improving skin appearance, vision, joints, cognitive function and sports. Pycnogenol also demonstrates key benefits for both menopause and perimenopause.
Peri and post-menopausal women are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) than men, according to the British Heart Foundation.
It is believed that oestrogen exerts protective heart health benefits. A recent study shows that Pycnogenol supplementation is associated with the reduction in a range of factors associated with CVD risk including inflammation and homocysteine, an amino acid associated with the disease. Pycnogenol also decreases symptoms associated with perimenopause including hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods and improvement in mood.
Pycnogenol is demonstrated to significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms in three controlled clinical trials within total 450 menopausal women. Unlike many menopause supplements, pycnogenol exerts its benefits without altering hormones!
Vitamin D3 & K2 MK7
Women after menopause are at higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition resulting in weaker bones more prone to breaks and fractures. This is due to oestrogen having a calcium sparing effect on the bones, so when oestrogen drops, so does the bone protection. This vitamin combo can help.
Vitamin D3 helps support the absorption of calcium from our food and into the bloodstream, but also helps produce a protein called osteocalcin which vitamin K2 activates. Osteocalcin plays an important role in transferring calcium from the blood into the bone to improve their strength.
The vitamins are difficult to obtain from the diet meaning supplements such as D-Pearls and Bio-Vitamin K2 are ideal ways to ensure optimum levels. D3 is typically derived from sunlight, but areas like the UK typically receive inadequate light to produce the vitamin D needed. Various groups may need additional vitamin D3, such as those with darker skin or the elderly.
Introducing K-Pearls!
K2 is also a challenging vitamin to obtain as it's present mostly in fermented foods with the best food source being natto, a dish rarely eaten out of Japan. K2 
in its MK-7 form is ideal as it's shown to be the most bioavailable and should contain 100% trans-isomer content, as K-Pearls do.
Manoeuvring the menopause
It's assuring to know that natural nutritional supplements can be both safe and effective, with scientific evidence supporting their use. These tried and tested supplements are beloved by many to help manage the menopause.
