As women age and transition through menopause, they may experience a range of symptoms, from hot flushes and sleep disturbances to headaches and joint pain.

These symptoms aren’t just physical either. The body’s natural decline of estrogen and progesterone can also cause emotional symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability and lack of motivation.

In other words, menopause can severely impact your quality of life, not just while you’re going through it but afterwards too. Symptoms can linger due to continued low estrogen levels.

The good news is, there are various treatments available that can help you to manage both menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, including natural remedies like hemp extract, sage, K2 and D3. Let’s explore the benefits of each of these supplements now.

HEMP EXTRACT

Hemp extract has been widely studied for its ability to reduce pain, anxiety and inflammation. For postmenopausal women, hemp extract oil or capsules may also offer relief from symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, acne, low libido and memory problems.

Hemp extract can be especially beneficial for women who have experienced the systemic inflammation that occurs with menopause, leading to joint pain, fatigue, insomnia and mood disorders.

Bone density loss is another common occurrence with menopause, which can increase the likelihood of fractures or bruises. Research has found that hemp extract can interact with a cannabinoid receptor that contributes to bone density loss, reducing the rate of this happening during menopause and treating it post-menopause.

Sage

Sage is a herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

One study found that a sage extract reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and sweating in menopausal women after taking it for 4-8 weeks. Another study concluded that sage could offer long-term protection against cognitive decline after participants experienced significant improvement in memory performance.

Put simply, this means that sage for menopause may be beneficial to consume both during and after to treat these specific symptoms.

K2

K2, also known as menaquinone, is a form of vitamin K that’s found in foods like fermented soybeans and cheese. It’s been shown to activate proteins that play a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism, bone health and heart health.

Falling estrogen levels that go hand-in-hand with menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, which results in weak and brittle bones. Consuming K2 can increase the bone-building process and bone strength, as well as decrease the risk of bone loss and fractures.

Postmenopausal women also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to declining estrogen, but studies have indicated that K2 can reduce this.

D3

D3, otherwise known as cholecalciferol, is a form of vitamin D that derives from a chemical in your skin when exposed to sunlight. It’s essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles, as well as supporting immune function and regulating mood.

For postmenopausal women, D3 may be particularly important to counteract the higher risk of osteoporosis. It works to slow down and minimise the bone-weakening process.

If you’ve already been experiencing depression and anxiety, you may continue with these symptoms post-menopause, which can be linked to a vitamin D3 deficiency. Supplementing with D3 can be effective in stabilising emotions, and boosting your happiness and wellbeing in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

While there are various treatments available for menopausal or postmenopausal women, hemp extract, sage, K2 and D3 are among the most researched non-hormonal ingredients — and whether HRT, a botanical approach or both is right for you is a conversation for you and your GP.

If you would rather not take multiple supplements, all four are combined in Menoviva’s Vegan + Meno Support formula.

As always, it’s important to speak with your GP before starting any new supplement regimen.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Food supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have symptoms that concern you, or before starting any new supplement or treatment, speak to your GP or pharmacist.