Supplements to Manage Menopause & Endometriosis

SENSITIVE POST: I mean, read the title. We’re going to talk about some heavy stuff… But my goal is to give you some tools to help deal with the heavy stuff.

*This post contains affiliate links. More explanation about that a bit later…

Last week, in the introduction of Managing Menopause, Endometriosis, Grief, Stress, Anxiety, I stated, “Vitamins, herbs, supplements, and creams / lubricants have played a vital role in helping me to manage post-menopausal and endometriosis symptoms and side effects.” I promised to tell you about the specific vitamins, herbs, supplements, and creams / lubricants that I personally use, which are helping me to battle pain and mood swings, among other things. At the end of that introductory post (which you can read here), I also promised to share why I started using natural remedies, after first going to my doctor about my out-of-whack hormone levels. And that’s where I’d like to start. Why did I decide to use natural remedies like supplements to manage menopause, endometriosis, and stress?

A Doctor’s Appointment and HRT…

Over eight years ago, I reached out to my doctor because I felt absolutely horrible. Aches and pains. Mood swings. Brain fog. Not wanting to be in my own skin. I had to figure out what was going on! After bloodwork, I was diagnosed with low cortisol and progesterone levels. My doctor prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and I began taking pills daily to try and even out my whacky hormone levels.

And I felt worse than I did before I went to the doctor, before I started taking the prescribed medication. In fact, my hubby and I were visiting Greenville, looking for a home because we were moving there. The hotel had free chocolate chip cookies. Dane asked if I wanted one. When I declined, he looked at me and said, “You really must feel awful!” Yes, my refusal to eat chocolate was a sure sign that something was horribly wrong!

In all seriousness, I was so nauseous that the thought of eating anything was enough to make me green. As I think back, I’m not sure why I believed taking artificial hormone replacement was a good idea. I had a terrible time getting off the birth control pill. And Lupron was an absolute nightmare for me. Why did I think progesterone pills were a good idea?!

I also believe that I was perimenopausal at the time. Because of my age (mid-thirties), menopause didn’t cross my mind. It didn’t cross the mind of my doctor, either.

A Natural Remedy…

After stopping the progesterone pills, Dane and I both knew that I still needed something to help balance my hormones, to help alleviate the aches and pains and mood swings. Dane has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and began researching my symptoms. He discovered various vitamins, herbs, supplements, and creams that I began to try. Lubricants came later—when menopause hit full force.

Below, I’m going to share the complete list of vitamins, herbs, supplements, and creams / lubricants that I personally use. I’ll also explain why I use each of these supplements to manage menopauses, endometriosis, and stress. Plus, I’ll give links to where these items can be purchased.

Before that, I must remind you…

The All-Important Disclaimer…

I’m just a gal who suffers from endo, has gone through menopause, and is struggling through the stress & grief of losing my Nana, my Grammy, my best friend… I don’t hold a medical or counseling degree nor am I a specialist. I am simply speaking my truth–sharing supplements to manage menopause, endometriosis, & stress–with the goal of educating and advocating. In other words…

Not So Mommy…™ is designed to provide information and motivation to readers. This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. The information contained in the blogs, emails, and social media posts is the sole expression and opinion of its author(s). Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in the blogs, emails, and/or social media posts, you are taking full responsibility for your choices, actions, and results. (If you’d like to read the entire Not So Mommy…™ Disclosure Policy, click here.)

AND…

As I stated at the beginning of this post, this blog contains affiliate links. Thus, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, which helps me maintain this site and continue to fulfill the Not So Mommy… Purpose.

*A complete list of products mentioned with links to purchase can be found at the end of this blog.

Supplements to Manage Menopause, Endometriosis, & Stress…

Now that the legalize is out of the way, let’s talk about sixteen (yes, you heard right—16) vitamins, herbs, supplements, and creams / lubricants that can help manage menopause, endometriosis, and stress…

Vitamins, Herbs, Supplements to Manage Menopause, Endometriosis, & Stress

Adrenal Health Daily Support

As stated previously, I was diagnosed with low cortisol levels. This is associated with “adrenal fatigue.” While I realize that Western medicine states adrenal fatigue is not real, my symptoms were definitely real! As someone who also suffers from endometriosis, a chronic illness whose symptoms are too often disregarded by medical professionals, I believe in not only researching via science, but also believing my own knowledge about my body. So, I take Gaia Herbs vegan herbal supplement, “Adrenal Health” as a way to help manage the negative effects that stress plays on my body.

Boron

Recently, I started taking a low dose (3 mg) Boron supplement. Boron is an important trace mineral, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of bone. It may also help treat vaginal yeast infections and increase estrogen levels post-menopause. Because I do not want to use any artificial hormone replacements (as they have affected me so negatively in the past), I am willing to try non-GMO, vegetarian Boron supplements. I mean, even if it doesn’t increase my estrogen levels, there are still other benefits to taking this trace mineral.

Chaste Tree

Chaste Tree is a supplement which supports female reproductive health. It is used to treat PMS, menstrual pain, and menopausal symptoms. Possible benefits of Chaste Tree are normalizing estrogen and progesterone levels. Personally, I take a gluten-free, non-GMO, hypoallergenic Chaste Tree supplement from Pure Encapsulations.

Women’s Balance

In addition to Chaste Tree, I also take Women’s Balance by Gaia Herbs. This vegan, herbal supplement contains a blend of Vitex (i.e., Chaste Tree), Black Cohosh and St. John’s Wort. This combination of herbs maintains healthy female hormone balance, which helps alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

Estroven

On top of the Chaste Tree/Vitex, Black Cohosh, and St. John’s Wort combination, I’ve started taking Estroven, whose main ingredient is rhubarb root extract. Taking rhubarb root extract may improve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, fatigue, and/or mood swings. Rhubarb root extract may also help with symptoms of pancreatitis.

Membrasin

After going through menopause, I began to suffer from vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. (This is quite embarrassing to talk about… But if we don’t talk, then how will we break the stigmas?) So, back to the unwanted symptoms of post-menopause… I started taking Membrasin, a vaginal moisture supplement which one takes by mouth. Membrasin is a proprietary blend of sea berry fruit and seed oils, with essential omega fatty acids. It is estrogen-free, gluten-free, and 100% plant based. I affectionately call it my “pink pill.” Adding it to my daily supplements has helped alleviate some very unwanted symptoms.

Fish Oil

Because the body doesn’t produce many of its own omega-3 fatty acids, I believe it is extremely important to take an omega-3 (fish oil) supplement. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. Because endometriosis causes inflammation which can lead to aches and pains, fish oil is one way I manage endometriosis. Omega-3s also support hormone balance, so are another way I manage menopause. Finally, they may reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

Vitamin D-3

Though we can get Vitamin D from the sun and food, many people are still deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin D comes in two forms, Vitamin D-2 and Vitamin D-3. Most healthcare providers suggest Vitamin D-3 supplements. Vitamin D-3 has numerous benefits, including strengthening bones & muscles, boosting immunity, improving mood, reducing inflammation, and improving heart function. As I stated earlier, I suffer from endometriosis. Two symptoms of this chronic illness are weakened immunity and inflammation. Thus, the benefits of Vitamin D-3 help manage endo. The benefit of improving mood helps manage menopause.

Green Tea Extract

Green Tea is a healthy drink option, with many potential health benefits. Its extract also has numerous benefits. Studies have shown that green tea extract can promote weight loss, reduce blood fat levels, regulate blood pressure, improve brain health, promote blood sugar regulation, and aid in disease prevention. It can also help keep your skin and liver healthy, plus help you lose belly fat. In my humble opinion, this free radical scavenger is a most beneficial supplement.

Turmeric, BioPerine, Garlic, Ginger

For several years, I took a turmeric supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties in an effort to manage endometriosis and menopause. Last year, we added garlic to our supplements in an effort to improve our heart health. Recently, Dane decided that we should start taking a Turmeric, BioPerine, Garlic, Ginger combination, which MedChoice calls an “anti-inflammatory complex.” BioPerine not only has anti-inflammatory benefits, but may also increase nutrient absorption, boost brain function, block cancer cell growth, and stabilize blood sugar levels. Ginger helps improve digestion, reduce stress, strengthens your immune system, and kills ovarian cancer cells, among other things. Since endometriosis increases the risk of ovarian cancer, I particularly like the “kills ovarian cancer cells” benefit of ginger.

Multi-Vitamin / Mineral

Yes, despite the fact that I take numerous individual herbs and supplements, I still take a multi-vitamin / mineral, as well. Specifically, I take Pure Encapsulations Women’s Nutrients, a multi-vitamin / mineral complex for women over 40. This gluten-free, non-GMO, hypoallergenic dietary supplement helps ensure that I get all the nutrients I need.

Probiotic

Another symptom of endometriosis is digestive issues. Because of this, some endo warriors are misdiagnosed with IBS. In an effort to maintain my digestive health, I take a Women’s Probiotic veggie capsule daily. Not only do probiotics help maintain gut health, but they also help maintain the health of other organs, prevent urinary tract infections, strengthen immunity, restore good gut bacteria, and improve vaginal flora (the good bacteria that live inside the vagina).

Papaya

For about a year, I have been taking chewable Papaya supplements after dinner to help with digestion and nutrient absorption. I have noticed that I feel less bloated when I take my Papaya supplement. As someone who suffers from endo belly, less bloat is a welcomed benefit.

*I take a full set of vitamins/herbs/supplements approximately five times a week. At least one day (sometimes two), I do not take any vitamins/herbs/supplements (except my Probiotic & Papaya). This is based on advice from my college nutrition professor, who said you should take at least one day a week off so that your body can flush out any excess and/or avoid toxicity from non-water-soluble supplements.

Creams to Manage Menopause

As stated above, I take several vitamins, herbs, and supplements to help balance hormones. Despite this, I was still struggling with post-menopausal symptoms. I spoke with my gynecologist, who suggested several medicines. After researching them, however, I was uncomfortable with the possible side-effects. Dane conducted his own research and discovered two creams that he felt could help. I have been using both for about six months and am feeling so much better! What are these creams, you might be wondering? Well, they are…

DHEA Balancing Cream

DHEA Balancing Cream is the first cream I tried. Originally, I followed the instructions and used it twice a day. Now, however, I use it once daily—massaging a dime-size amount into my wrists every evening before bed.

All-Natural, Bioidentical Estriol 5.0

Because I was still suffering from post-menopausal symptoms, I added Estriol 5.0 bioidentical cream. Originally, I used the cream per directions, once daily. I could tell that, though it was helping, the daily use wasn’t quite right for me. So, I started using it two days on, one day off. In fact, I have a calendar on the inside of my medicine cabinet with the schedule for my Estriol usage. When I follow it, putting one pump on my inner thigh in the morning for two days on and one day off, I feel so much more balanced.

Personal Moisturizer to Manage Menopause & Endometriosis

Chiavaye

While the thirteen vitamins / herbs / supplements and two creams truly do help alleviate many endometriosis and post-menopausal symptoms, I was still suffering from painful sex. Because of this, I began using Chiavaye, a personal moisturizer / lubricant. You can read my full review of Chiavaye here.

Thank you, fabulous ones…

Fabulous ones, thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I truly hope you found the information useful. And if you choose to try one of the products, I hope it is beneficial and helps manage your PMS/peri-menopause/post-menopause, chronic illness, and/or stress. Speaking of trying the products…

When you buy…

Fabulous one, if you decide to buy one of the products I mentioned, I’d be so grateful if you’d purchase it using my affiliate link from this blog post. I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, which helps me maintain this site and continue to fulfill the Not So Mommy… Purpose.

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Products mentioned in blog (that I personally use)…

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And remember…

Coming Up…

I realize that this week, I spoke a lot about managing endometriosis and menopause, with brief mentions about managing stress. Next week, we will discuss essential oils, which are a critical component of managing my stress and anxiety. I do hope you’ll check out the blog next Monday to learn more…

Is there a product you’d like me to review?

If you have a product that you would like me to considering reviewing, please contact me with the following information: Your Full Name & Email Address; Name of the Product; URL Address (if applicable); and a Brief Description of the Product. (Submission does not guarantee a review, but all will be considered.)

Fabulous one, do you take supplements to manage menopause, chronic illness, and/or stress? If you feel comfortable, please tell us about it in the comments…

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Managing Menopause, Endometriosis, Grief, Stress, Anxiety: Vitamins, Herbs, Supplements, Creams / Lubricants