A writer shares her experience taking adaptogens for menopause symptoms, including mood swing relief.
An OBGYN breaks down the pros and cons.
One moment, Im just fine, and then the next, Im completely depleted of my patience.
The traditional route is oftenhormone replacement therapy(HRT), but there are alternatives.
I decided to try a natural remedy to help smooth my mood:adaptogens.
These plant-based molecules are thought to help balance the body by abating hormone-induced stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Turned out, I had everything to gain.
Read on to hear my experience with taking adaptogens for menopause.
Always talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement to check that its right for you.
First, what are adaptogens typically used for?
But adaptogens have been around in Eastern cultures and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
These glands produce and release many different types of hormones, including cortisol.
OB/GYN, integrative medicine physician, andMenopause Societycertified practitioner
Each morning, I whisk a powder with all three into my coffee.
Do adaptogens really work?
That said, there are newer studies surfacing that point to adaptogens effectivenessashwagandha in particular.
So, be sure to check in with your health care provider before giving them a try.
I kept seeing adaptogens popping up everywherein sparkling water, teas, tinctures, and even gummiesand became curious.
Just like studies on adaptogens in general, studies regarding adaptogens for menopause specifically are limited.
But there are some hopeful findings.
The transition affects different people in different ways.
HRT is one of the more common menopause treatments.
Antidepressants
FDA-approved antidepressants are also used to ease mental health symptoms associated with menopause.
I do my best to eat a balanced diet (most of the time, anyway!
), get my exercise by running around the park, and meditate daily.
Im confident these factors also make a difference in my emotional state and wellness as a whole.
Talking it out
I take comfort in knowing Im not braving menopause symptoms alone.
Many of my friends are also going through it, too.
Acknowledging our symptoms, including mood swings, helps to validate and better manage them.
Theyre not the only piece of the puzzle, but they are an important part of it.
Placebo effect or not, I feel much more balanced and even-keeled.
Save for a slightly earthy/funky taste in my morning coffee, Ive had no side effects.
Given the benefits Ive experienced, Im going to keep taking them.
Only youve got the awareness and wisdom to do that!
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Harder, better, faster, stronger?
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Wu, Ching-Kuan et al.
Antidepressants during and after Menopausal Transition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Scientific reportsvol.
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