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Supplements for menopause symptoms and metformin
- Thread starter Loopy
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Alan44
Moderator
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Natalie123
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Sorry I don't have any experience of this but my first thought is that you could try a different doctor? Some doctors are much more open to supplements and alternative medicine than others. Doctors should be able to look up medical interactions, even if they don't know already.
Leadinglights
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I don't think it is a matter of whether you can take with metformin but whether it is wise to take these sort of supplements at all without proper medical advise. There are potential side effects of even these 'natural' supplements and no certain proven effectiveness at safe doses.
I'm sure there are proven medications to help with menopausal symptoms which your GP could prescribe.
I'm sure there are proven medications to help with menopausal symptoms which your GP could prescribe.
Thebearcametoo
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I haven’t seen either suggested for menopause but I’ve tried both for my fibro fatigue/brain fog. I felt great on 5HTP for the first month but then the effects waned. Ashwagandha I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference.
Doing some web searching and it seems that ashwagandha may interact with oestrogen which is interesting to me as I’m on HRT. Oestrogen may make metformin less effective. Ashwagandha may interact with diabetes medications and make them more effective but I couldn’t see anything that said which diabetes meds. So if you’re on HRT then the two interactions may balance each other out 🙂 Ashwagandha can cause liver issues so it’s not recommended to take it for more than 3 months at a time.
5HTP I couldn’t find any information on it with metformin. It’s really important not to take it with antidepressants though just as a FYI.
Obviously supplements aren’t regulated so you can’t be sure how much of any supplement you’re getting or how pure they are etc. I am a bit of a sucker for ‘this might work’ but I never take anything for too long.
Doing some web searching and it seems that ashwagandha may interact with oestrogen which is interesting to me as I’m on HRT. Oestrogen may make metformin less effective. Ashwagandha may interact with diabetes medications and make them more effective but I couldn’t see anything that said which diabetes meds. So if you’re on HRT then the two interactions may balance each other out 🙂 Ashwagandha can cause liver issues so it’s not recommended to take it for more than 3 months at a time.
5HTP I couldn’t find any information on it with metformin. It’s really important not to take it with antidepressants though just as a FYI.
Obviously supplements aren’t regulated so you can’t be sure how much of any supplement you’re getting or how pure they are etc. I am a bit of a sucker for ‘this might work’ but I never take anything for too long.
- Relationship to Diabetes
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Welcome to the forum @Loopy
Perhaps you might be able to have a chat with the qualified pharmacist at your high st chemists? Many of them have a little consulting room these days, and the qualified pharmacist (not just the counter staff) should have up to date information about drug interactions, that may well extend to natural supplements.
Diabetes UK suggests avoiding herbal supplements sold for diabetes, because of the lack of robust evidence that they are safe and effective for people with diabetes.
www.diabetes.org.uk
Perhaps you might be able to have a chat with the qualified pharmacist at your high st chemists? Many of them have a little consulting room these days, and the qualified pharmacist (not just the counter staff) should have up to date information about drug interactions, that may well extend to natural supplements.
Diabetes UK suggests avoiding herbal supplements sold for diabetes, because of the lack of robust evidence that they are safe and effective for people with diabetes.
Herbal and food supplements
Many people rely on traditional herbal and complementary remedies, which are said to help with blood glucose control. These remedies can be homemade or bought from local shops, and while they may have benefits, they should not be a substitute for your medications.
thanks everyone
I have taken some advice from the Balance website run by Louise Newson the menopause expert (on advice from my doctor). There is additional information on supplements.
I have decided to take some magnesium (clean and high quality) at a low dose to see if it helps with brain fog, sleep and low mood.
I have recently decided to come off of HRT (after 3+ years) for personal reasons so am keen to try to replace it with something more natural. I do not have strong hot flushes more the emotional/cognitive effects of menopause.
Many thanks for all your comments and pointers, supplements and medication is a tricky area I believe.
I have taken some advice from the Balance website run by Louise Newson the menopause expert (on advice from my doctor). There is additional information on supplements.
I have decided to take some magnesium (clean and high quality) at a low dose to see if it helps with brain fog, sleep and low mood.
I have recently decided to come off of HRT (after 3+ years) for personal reasons so am keen to try to replace it with something more natural. I do not have strong hot flushes more the emotional/cognitive effects of menopause.
Many thanks for all your comments and pointers, supplements and medication is a tricky area I believe.
Thebearcametoo
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent
That’s great. Louise Newson is well respected and magnesium is well researched. I hope it helps you.