Ladies, and gents, if you’re curious about what the heck is happening to your hormones as your child-bearing years come to an end – listen up. Welcome to perimenopause! The “season” of life, prior to menopause – the day you’ve been officially period free for 12 straight months. In the meantime, you’ll experience fluctuating hormones and all of their glorious side effects.
From hot flashes, mood swings, to hair loss, wrinkles, and changes in your libido. All of which can last on average 7 years, and up to 15… sounds like a blast! Why has perimenopause gained so much social media traction? Likely because the eldest Millennials, myself included, have turned 40. And perimenopause starts rearing it’s ugly head as early as your late 30’s.
No worries, GNC is here for you! With foundational wellness support and the best perimenopause supplements to help combat some of those unavoidable side effects that carry you through this momentous time in your life. This article will feature the best perimenopause supplements to support the symptoms you may experience, ultimately making perimenopause a bit more manageable.
Best Foundational Supplement
It goes without question, that a healthy, well-balanced diet supports wellness through any stage of life. But no one’s diet is perfect, and that’s where a women’s multivitamin comes in handy – helping to fill the nutritional gaps you may be missing. GNC carries clinically studied multivitamins, even a Menopause Support Vitapak® Program!
But ladies, we aren’t there “just” yet. For the perimenopausal stage, I recommend our GNC Women’s Energy & Metabolism Multivitamin. Its clinically proven formula provides an extra boost of the nutrients you need, like calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Iron, and B vitamins to support energy production and metabolism. Plus, 100mg of caffeine – to help you keep up with life. Young children, hectic work schedules, and everything in between. And for my ladies over 50, we’ve got a multivitamin for you too!
READ MORE: Best Supplements for Women’s Health of 2024
Best Supplement for Hormones
Hello hormones! Those same pesky hormones that cause PMS, crankiness, and breakouts (that you haven’t seen since you were a teen) are back with a vengeance. Hello Harmony targets the side effects of hormonal imbalances with clinically studied ingredients shown to improve stress management, mood support, hormonal balance, and nurture smoother skin. What’s more? Hello Harmony was formulated for women BY women and is Non GMO Project Verified, Vegan, and Gluten Free – LOVE!
Best Supplement for Gut Health
Our digestive track is linked to just about everything, including hormone health. Making you moody, stressed out, and influences how well (or poorly) you eat. In turn, creating an unpleasant environment. Bloating, am I right?
Codeage Women’s SBO Probiotic provides feminine balance with a 50 Billion CFU probiotic blend and Ayurvedic and Botanical Herbs, including fermented Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Fenugreek Seed Extract, and Cranberry Extract for urinary tract support. So, get on the gut health train too see improvements in digestion, comfort, and regularity.
Best Supplement for Sleep
Restful and relaxing sleep? During perimenopause? Yeah right! But Relaxium Sleep Support provides just that. This non-habit-forming sleep aid includes a clinically proven formula developed by a Clinical Neurologist. Ingredients like Magnesium, L-Tryptophan, Valerian Root, Ashwagandha, GABA, Chamomile, and Melatonin help to regulate the natural sleep cycle, relaxing the body, and calming the mind. Relaxium Sleep Support claims to help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer without interruption, and wake refreshed & alert… sign me up!
Best Supplement for Menopause Symptoms - Hot Flashes
If there’s one perimenopausal symptom we’re all familiar with, it’s hot flashes. What exactly are hot flashes? Uncomfortable! They’re a sudden, intense wave of heat that can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, and flushed skin. They can last 30 seconds and up to 5 minutes, occurring multiple times per day. And when they happen at night? Night sweats. Ugh, even worse.
Enter Black cohosh, which has a long history of use supporting women’s reproductive health. Today, it helps relieve menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats. And for us sweaty ladies, we’ll take any help we can get!
READ MORE: The Best Supplements for PMS
Best Supplement for Stress
Ashwagandha, or “ashwagandhaaaaa” as some folks refer to it, is a traditional adaptogen, commonly used for stress relief. And for those of us reveling in perimenopause, there’s a whole lot of stress! We’re moms! We’re working professionals! Perhaps we’re dealing with aging parents. Whatever your cause for stress may be, it weighs on you. GNC Herbal Plus Ashwagandha provides 600mg of clinically proven KSM-66® Ashwagandha. And while ashwagandha may not solve the cause of life’s stressors, it can certainly help you relax at the end of a long day.
Best Supplement for Weight Loss
And with the hormonal changes of perimenopause, come changes to your metabolism, which, in turn, can lead to difficulties managing your weight. When your hard work isn’t paying off like it “used” to, stock up on GNC Total Lean Glucatrim. This proven weight loss formula not only helps you drop pounds and lose inches from trouble areas, it also supports blood sugar levels. To learn more about how Glucatrim works, check out this article from the product designer!
READ MORE: We’ve also put together a guide to navigate GNC’s take on the best weight loss supplements.
Best Collagen Supplement
If you’re joints AREN’T reminding you of your age, congrats. To the rest of us waking up stiff and achy after a “poor” night of sleep, there’s collagen.
Collagen supports joint health, and makes an excellent addition to your perimenopausal routine. Plus, it’s got tons of skin health benefits. Like hydration, elasticity, and dare I say youthful looking skin? Just one scoop of hydrolyzed collagen peptides daily provides the support you need. I love adding this unflavored collagen from Codeage to my morning coffee. An easy routine I can stick to and feel good about!
RECIPES: Find Shakes and Recipes Here!
Best Supplement for Hair Health
OK, so we’ve all heard of postpartum hair loss, but to keep life interesting, hair thins and falls out with age! These Hair Vitamins from CODEAGE supply biotin, collagen, keratin (what hair is made of), and other hair supporting ingredients. Even probiotics and digestive enzymes! It’s time to give your hair the health it deserves.
Best Supplement for Muscle
I know, I know… I’m ALWAYS recommending creatine! But its benefits go far beyond the gym! Sure, it helps with athletic performance but, it also supports muscle health (and growth!). Did you know that after age 30 you lose 3-8% of muscle mass each decade1?
And strong muscles = strong bones. When estrogen levels dip due to hormonal changes, calcium is drawn from bone. Which can lead to a decline in bone density and increase risk for injury. So do yourself a favor by maintaining muscle strength! And while you’re at it, use those muscles (and energy support) to do something you love! Like run, hike, or chase your littles. Bonus! Weight loss 101 has taught us that muscle is more metabolically active than fat, so gaining and maintaining muscle health can also help with weight management!
Best Supplement for Sexual Health
Clearly, hormones play a role in libido. Losing interest in sex? You’re not alone. Add children, chaotic schedules, stress, exhaustion, and mood swings into the mix… and it’s no wonder we struggle with excitement in the bedroom. Your sexual health is important, so don’t lose sight of it!
Nugenix®, widely known for Men’s Health and Testosterone Boosting, has developed a new product made just for women. Nugenix® Libido: Women’s Sexual Vitality Booster, is formulated with Libefem® Fenugreek Extract to excite desire & satisfaction, plus L-Theanine for relaxation.
I hope these recommendations can provide some relief, making perimenopause a bit more manageable. Use this article as your guide to share with your girlfriends, men and family in your life!!
References:
- Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita S. Muscle tissue changes with aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2004 Jul;7(4):405-10. doi: 10.1097/01.mco.0000134362.76653.b2. PMID: 15192443; PMCID: PMC2804956. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2804956/
