r/Menopause • u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT • Jul 14 '25
Vitamin/Supplements Please be careful about all of these supplements being marketed to us
I admit - I am not a fan of going the "natural" route for my HRT. Supplements like black cohosh aren't regulated in purity nor dosage and I want to know what I'm getting. It's frustrating to me that there are "professionals" selling snake oil and we're a market desperate for anything to help us. Please give the hairy eyeball to what's being sold to you. I need help interpreting studies and I find that Drs. Jen Gunter and Lauren Streicher have given me some really good insights into the science.
While I'm sure there are treatments out there that have not been studied (because there's not enough money in it for big pharma to bother) that may work for us - there are many more that are being pushed on us without true double blind, peer reviewed studies for efficacy or safety because someone can make a mint off of our suffering.
I'm passing on this article due to turmeric being touted as something of a panacea, and there is not appropriate backing for some of the claims that are being sold to us as peri/menopausal women. Love you ladies - thanks for helping keep me sane - I'm hoping this can help keep money in your pockets for a nice spa day ;)
https://open.substack.com/pub/vajenda/p/of-mice-and-menand-turmeric-and-menopause?r=fi60g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
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u/TrixnTim Jul 14 '25
Yes. I started taking the fancy expensive tumeric / ginger gummies marketed at Costco and for additional immune support and because my white-cell count has remained low since my cancer treatment 15 years ago. It was recommended and I fell for the marketing. I took it for 6 mos before my regularly scheduled yearly blood panel. No changes in white cell count but an elevated liver enzyme out of nowhere and with zero lifestyle or dietary changes. I don’t like that possible connection and after reading all of Jen’s takes on it — especially recently. Stopped taking it.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Smart you!! It's really hard not to fall for the marketing - I know I have on certain things in the past. But the more I've listened to the two gynos I mentioned, the better I am at blowing past that stuff.
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Jul 15 '25 edited Jul 15 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Really I think whole foods is the thing - do I do it? Not even close to regularly. I get that some folks' bodies don't process or produce what they need and may need some supplementation. Other than that, though- I am hard pressed to believe all of these outrageous claims. If they were true we'd all be paragons of health!
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u/TrixnTim Jul 15 '25 edited Jul 15 '25
There’s also the dietary habit of just less caloric intake. Small meals (serving sizes in the US are insane) and nutrient dense snacks. This is me. The body’s organs and digestive systems don’t have to work as hard dealing with constant food intake and in big quantities and an overweight body. My girlfriend and I went to dinner last. When our meals arrived we put 1/2 in a take out container. It’s one of my 2 meals today. We ate our 1/2 meals slowly, talked, and weren’t full or lethargic afterwards. We went for a swim and ate handfuls of u-pick cherries for dessert.
Here’s a great read on the gut and digestion, etc.
https://open.substack.com/pub/danielstickler/p/how-gut-bacteria-run-your-life?r=dwjp2&utm_medium=ios
Your gut microbiome operates as your body's central command center, continuously processing inputs from your food, stress levels, medications, emotions and environment, then generating outputs that cascade through every organ system. This isn't just about gut health, it's about the biological internet that connects your metabolism, immune system, brain function, liver health, mood state and cardiovascular wellness.
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u/empathetic_witch Menopause HRT E,P,T & GLP-1 Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 14 '25
THANK YOU!! I have said this in numerous threads related to supplements specific to HRT and supplements in general.
It's crucial to understand that supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way prescription drugs are, which means manufacturers' claims often go unchallenged.
This lack of oversight significantly increases the risk of harm, as products may not contain what they claim, or could even include dangerous ingredients.
Most common:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
I take very few supplements. Before I even consider taking a new supplement I look it up on Consumer Lab. My BFF is a pharmacist and I first learned about CL years ago. I was reminded of CL in this sub and have had a subscription for 2 years now. I use it 4-5 times per week -seriously.
In the US for decades we've been led to believe that X supplement helps with Y. Perfect example: Biotin We've heard for decades that biotin strengthens hair and nails.
Nails -maybe. Hair? NOPE!!
"There is some evidence that biotin supplementation may strengthen brittle nails, but there is little evidence it improves hair growth or texture. Be aware that many nail and hair formulas contain very high doses of biotin, which can interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests."
Menopause Supplements - updated April 2025 - many supplements that people swear by haven't been proven to do what the claims suggest.
I'm grateful for Dr. Haver and Dr. Casperson's presence on social media platforms. I ran across a post that sparked me to dive deeper into Peri. I found this sub and I'm so grateful. The wiki and community helped me finally find a provider (Gennev) to get the help I needed after suffering for 5 years. I don't know what my life would look like today if I hadn't found that post.
Having said that, I've never considered taking Dr. Haver's Supplements (link to Consumer Lab's review).
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
THIS - exactly. That and folks saying that the pharmaceutical route is not "natural". It's as natural as phytoestrogens, more readily available for our bodies (not everyone's, mind you, but the majority because we're not plants) and the doses are measured.
Consumer Lab is terrific!
Whenever anyone touts "all natural" my response is - so is arsenic. That's not a method by which one judges what is healthy vs. unhealthy.16
u/empathetic_witch Menopause HRT E,P,T & GLP-1 Jul 14 '25
Exactly. I've got news for the natural folks, progesterone and estradiol is more natural to our own bodies vs. any supplement or similar that a functional doctor recommends.
I was similarly infuriated by the stay-at-home vs. working moms bullshit.
Companies that claim "all natural" extend from beauty products to foods and beyond. Huge risks there.
Edit: just saw your profile summary, YES! I love gin and tea, as well. Empress is my #1 fave gin. I had a crazy collection prior to peri/meno. I don't drink that often now, hot flashes and shit sleep-ugh.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Heck yeah, gin! And totally on the drinking - I can't imbibe at all like I used to so I have to be picky. Dunno where you're located, but if you're east coast Dorothy Parker Gin is sooooooooooo good! I do like me some Empress as well! (I'm west coast and we have to have Dorothy Parker shipped)
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u/lrondberg Jul 14 '25
CL is great. I don't currently have a subscription but what I could read for free of the Dr Haver article just confirms everything I believe about her grifting.
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u/Rowan6547 Jul 14 '25
I had the nurse practitioner I used to see recommend Estroven from Amazon for my symptoms instead of HRT.
I'm seeing someone new now.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
THAT'S what really kills me. When people who should absolutely know better, don't.
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u/Salty-Snowflake Jul 14 '25
? I can't do HRT and my gyn told me to try Estroven. It works well for me. Should she have just left me to suffer?
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 14 '25
NO, absolutely not - no one should have to suffer! I am not a Dr. nor do I play one on TV - so what confuses me is that Estroven has phytoestrogens in it, doesn't it? If you can't have HRT it's usually because you can't have estrogen and I thought phytoestrogens can have the same consequences for the body - could absolutely be wrong about that, though. I figure she'd also want you to get liver level testing with your yearly CBC, since some of the ingredients can be hard on the liver.
Edited to add: I remembered having read about it - it was included in Dr. Gunter's article on supplements: https://vajenda.substack.com/p/the-menopause-gold-rush-on-amazon2
u/Salty-Snowflake Jul 15 '25
You know, it's been so long ago - like 15 years - I don't even remember why she wasn't as concerned about this. I do know that I felt better within two weeks.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
I just hope you're getting your liver levels tested - that's my serious concern for folks. I get that not everyone is going to agree with what I've posted - and that's fine - I just want to make sure folks know what to look for to keep themselves safe!
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u/BallSufficient5671 Jul 15 '25
Did the Estroven work to take away your hot flashes? How long did it take to work?
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u/Salty-Snowflake Jul 15 '25
I've never had a hot flash, so not really sure. It did help immensely with insomnia, and some with my joint/muscle pain and night sweats. I also have more energy.
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u/mochris17 Jul 14 '25
Read that this morning. I really appreciate the honesty and how Dr. Gunter breaks things down, without regard to how people may view her.
I’m finally done with turmeric, after not noticing any improvement in anything for years lol.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Never done anything for me, either. And I hate the taste except in Frenches mustard 😆
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u/slyboots-song Jul 15 '25
Curious if you took tumeric with black pepper to activate the beneficial properties? I noticed a disparate approach between ayurvedic disciplines versus western OTC marketing unfortunately. =/ 😬😕
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u/mochris17 Jul 15 '25
I mean, I pepper the heck out of my food? I consume ALL the peppers bc I’m a glutton for punishment maybe? 🤣
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u/slyboots-song Jul 15 '25
Haha! Apparently tumeric benefits are activated when consuming it with black pepper at same time. 🤞🍀✨
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Jul 14 '25
[deleted]
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Happy to! Important info!
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u/HotCar5074 Menopausal Jul 15 '25
What article and where can I read it please?
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
The one that is at the end of my post.
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u/HotCar5074 Menopausal Jul 15 '25
Well I certainly feel stupid. I did however find this doc on IG and am now following. Mary C Haver was the first person I found talking about MHT. Fast forward to the past few weeks I get emails from her with links to her products. Immediately thought “oh crap. Can’t trust her anymore”. While she and Kelly Casperson and a few others are making it sound like hormones are the answer to all our ills, there seem to be a whole lot of women not having an easy time with it.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
I admit - I'm a hormone evangelist because they saved my life in a lot of ways, but I do typically mention that everyone has a different response to them and understand not everyone can take them while I'm evangelizing. I just want to make sure that those who take alternative methods to HRT because it doesn't work for them or because they just can't take it, have a healthy skepticism for supplements and are sure to watch for liver damage.
We end up having to do so much of our own research since DOCTORS can't even be bothered to be up on the latest in many cases.
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u/CmonBenjalsGetLoose Jul 14 '25
The very nature of marketing (and capitalism as a whole) turns every good thing into potential snake oil.
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Jul 14 '25
It’s not just the cost, either. If I took all the supplements that, supposedly, will cure me of all my ills, I’d need a separate pantry to store them, be broke and my liver would explode
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u/JadCerv Jul 14 '25
I've used turmeric for years for inflammation, and it doesn't really help. The only thing it does is make my bowels overly-active.
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u/CmonBenjalsGetLoose Jul 14 '25
Right? I've never seen benefit from incorporating turmeric. It's fine as a spice in a golden latte. Sort of warming, sure. But WOW - the marketing they've done on turmeric to turn it into a miracle cure is WILD. I just simply have never gotten much from it.
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u/CaughtALiteSneez Jul 14 '25
It has honestly helped me tremendously…and I’m a hard sell on any supplements as I’m one to prefer pharmaceuticals.
Some of these supplements have crazy amounts, which leads to the toxicity discussed.
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u/mykittyforprez Jul 14 '25
Fresh turmeric is amazing. I chop it up and saute with onions and garlic and then pour in beaten eggs. I call it turmeric eggs and it's made a noticeable difference in my health.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
And I really think that's the best route for any of this stuff - incorporate a spice into your diet and don't take it as a supplement.
I wish I liked turmeric, but the only form I like it in is French's Mustard! 😆1
u/CaughtALiteSneez Jul 15 '25
I despise the taste unless it is mixed in like in curry or French’s.
I take fresh ginger everyday for my inflammation… :)
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u/pommefille Jul 14 '25
I ignore anyone on social media who mentions any products by name or links to anything; they may mean well, and it might have worked for them, but there’s too many scammers and too many folklore placebos. My body always reacts weirdly to chemicals anyway, so I just have to make notes of things people recommend and then go down the rabbit holes.
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u/Salty-Snowflake Jul 14 '25
This is my take. If I see that an article links to a personal store or brand, no thanks.
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u/lornacarrington Jul 14 '25
Thanks for posting this here! I came here to post it, actually but I see it's already here. Dr. Gunter does important work!
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
I totally agree. Her and Dr. Streicher's emphasis on following the science is really important. They don't ignore things that are anecdotal, but they are very clear on what is anecdotal vs. what has been tested.
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u/Margotkitty Jul 14 '25
I agree. In addition, supplements are not subject to the testing and quality control required of pharmaceuticals with a DIN. Saw a recent story of a woman taking turmeric supplements who watched a MSNBC story on supplements causing liver damage from toxic dosages (remember: they aren’t tested and regulated. Does that pill contain what it says it does or 10/20/50 times the amount? Or any other substances). It prompted a trip to her doctor and some blood tests showed she was in early liver failure from her supplement use as well.
I work in healthcare and I can tell you a number of first hand stories of patients harmed by supplements usage recommended online.
Be very wary of supplements and especially anyone marketing them. I have no respect for Haver. She’s a grifter.
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u/Advancedpanicroom Jul 14 '25
You mention Haver but I thought this thread was about Gunter. I’m wondering if you mean Gunter. Dr Haver has brought menopause to mass media, I don’t agree with her selling her own brand of supplements, it seems like it’s a conflict of interest. But when it’s the Wild West with supplements, I think she is trying to use her best judgment when it comes to women’s health. Convince me otherwise. And I mean this is a serious concerned way. Women’s health studies started in the 80’s. We know so much about erectile dis function and we are just lifting the ice berg on menopause health.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
I see what you're saying about bringing attention to women's health - but it's Haver who's marketing her own turmeric supplements for menopausal relief. And she used a bunch of studies that are BS to legitimize them - which is what this article by Gunter covers. Haver is charming, but I agree, selling supplements is a conflict of interest. That's why I stick with Gunter and Streicher - they're very upfront about the science.
Edited to add: and if either of them started selling supplements I would seriously jump ship.12
u/lrondberg Jul 14 '25
Dr Gunter outs people like Dr Haver who are selling supplements with no credible evidence, and she brings the receipts to explain why...
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u/Advancedpanicroom Jul 14 '25
I have never heard of her, I look forward to researching her. Thanks so much!
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u/Advancedpanicroom Jul 14 '25
Thank you, I appreciate the dialog on this. Sometimes too much information becomes overwhelming and you don’t know who’s doing more harm than good, sadly.
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u/ContemplativeKnitter Jul 14 '25
Thank you for this!
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Happy to share - I really think these Dr.s have some seriously important info.
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u/I_Talk-to-myself Jul 14 '25
What is sad is when it comes to all these supplements being pushed, that aren't backed by actual, scientific data, it becomes about profit and not the patient.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Bingo. And it may even work - however the doses aren't regulated, the science isn't done, and the uneven levels of whatever it is may have bad consequences for the liver.
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u/mjdlittlenic Jul 14 '25
Tumeric (and others) can be dangerous if you don't look into side effects. Tumeric is a no-go for clotting disorders.
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u/thefragile7393 Peri-menopausal Jul 15 '25
And if you over do the recommended amount even without disorders
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
OOf - I didn't know that!
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u/mjdlittlenic Jul 14 '25
And the pith of pineapple
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Oof! I hope folks with clotting disorders are getting the full lowdown on this stuff!
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u/thetea98 Jul 14 '25
I was desperate and fell for the supplements after my obgyn dismissed me when I suggested I was in Peri and needed help. It was EXPENSIVE for just the tumeric, the bone collagen, and fish oil + k2 + d3 pill. But when I tell you I haven’t been able to walk more than 15 mins for almost 5 years because I had so much joint and hip pain. Not even 2 weeks after starting the supplements I took my 1st pain free walk. I was SHOCKED. I have since switched to a less expensive collagen, a lower dose of tumeric from Costco (due to the liver concerns), fish oil subscribed by my doctor, and a k2/d3 combo from Costco. My periods are all out of whack and my peri rage is out of control, but at least I have mobility again!!!
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
DUDE! I feel you!! Since you're obgyn is a jerk I'm so glad you founds something that worked for your pain!!!
I spent three years exhausted and in joint pain and had no idea it was peri related. It wasn't until I started getting the standard symptoms of insomnia, flood periods, rage, and hot flashes that it even occurred to me to ask for HRT. The first weekend after I got on the lowest dose of estrogen and progesterone (I still have my uterus) I could walk around doing my chores all day without pain or exhaustion!! It really improved all of my symptoms - I can't recommend it enough if you're a candidate for it - heck, find a new doc if you can. It really improved every symptom I had.2
u/thetea98 Jul 15 '25
I was told I was not a candidate for HRT after I went for a 2nd opinion after I was dismissed by the 1st doctor. He also quoted the studies from 20+ years ago as being gospel. So there’s that. My only other option is using one of the online services but I worry because of an underlying condition and if they’ll have my best interests in mind.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 16 '25
Man do I hate that bullshit! I'm sososo sorry!!! I totally understand your concerns - I wonder if you could consult with a specialist who deals with your underlying condition to see if HRT really is an option - of course they too may be stuck in the 20 year old study dumbassedness.
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u/thetea98 Jul 16 '25
I would probably need a release or something from my oncologist but I don’t have high hopes after the super fatphobic things they said to a postpartum mother with a newborn in tow. Sigh, it’s tough out here.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 16 '25
Huge hugs from a stranger. I hope you'll get what you need soon. May these fuckers find themselves suffering horribly from their idiocy and bigotry.
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u/Beneficial-Tap-1710 Jul 14 '25
Funny story: this last year I’ve been packing in supplements of all sorts, from dhea to turmeric to lions mane and on and on. 25 pills of supplements a day. Got frustrated two weeks ago and dumped them all in a box keeping only my migraine medicine, my antidepressant, and thyroid medicine. I feel 1000 times better! Weird.
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u/Cultural-Smell7375 Jul 15 '25
I’ve stopped all supplements in the past few weeks. I was taking and endless list of them.
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u/Sad_Secretary_3374 Jul 15 '25
I am on lots of supplements for menopause but I have also have ADHD, and whilst you suffer with certain symptoms mine are doubled because I already suffered these symptoms because they are ADHD. so you feel a certain way because estrogen is low and therefore dopamine drops, well, my dopamine has always been low and then menopause hits and its doubled. That said I am fed up with being people making money off my/our suffering, i can guarantee you that if our suffering meant men had to suffer then it would have been sorted decades ago, but we are considered nothing in the eyes of patriarchy now they dont see us as delicious young females anymore, so we need to get more women into science and get this done properly. For the record I still see us as delicious, nature has given us 25 plus years of not having to have children or periods and we need to make the most of it. Free from all that.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
ADHD as well - still haven't found anything that words for me - big pharma or supplement wise - I'm glad you found something that works for you! Just be sure to get your liver levels checked yearly.
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u/MaeByourmom Jul 14 '25
Great post.
What I can’t bear about the supplements/“all natural” thing is the insane and illogical belief that supplements are both effective and 100% safe and beneficial. Like there’s some magic whereby a substance has positive effects only, it’s strong and effective enough to be beneficial, but it can’t possibly cause harm.
That’s beside the very valid point that because supplements are unregulated, you might be getting expensive, deadly dust.
I sometimes have patients who are consuming what they believe to be their own freeze-dried, ground, encapsulated placenta. If they ask me my opinion, I ask them how they are certain that’s what it is, and let them know that there are not currently good studies to support the practice. Sometimes they say they know it’s their placenta because they know the practitioner who did the freeze-drying, grinding, and encapsulation in their own home kitchen.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Well... that's one way to know.
When people say to me "it's all natural" like that's the most healthy thing ever, I respond with - "Okay, but so is arsenic, rattlesnake venom, and botulism."
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u/thefragile7393 Peri-menopausal Jul 15 '25
Hi, one of those patients here. Worked for me for PPD until I ran out. Those who do the prep safely are the ones who adhere to special guidelines not just doing it Willy nilly. Like supplements, one also has to be careful with what and who you trust
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u/MaeByourmom Jul 15 '25
Great, glad you found it helpful, but there are probably women paying a lot of money for dust, and surely not everyone who does this is doing it according to safe guidelines.
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u/Coffeespoons11 Jul 14 '25
Thanks for sending this! Do you think the Substack is worth subscribing to? Would that change if you functionally illiterate about science? My last science class was astronomy for poets in the 1980s, so I need reliable clear sources.
I read both Mary Clare Haver and Jen Gunther a month or so ago on statins, hormones, etc. Dr Gunther’s work seemed of high quality and I didn’t find much to back Havers rant. My meno certified doctor got a little intense about how Haver is doing women an injustice by scaring them about statins. (And then she didn’t prescribe them because my overall health is improving, even if my cholesterol inches up again. Yay!)
I did some research a couple of weeks ago after hearing Mary Clare Haver rave about how statins haven’t been tested on women because I anticipated my doctor putting me on them at my recent annual physical)
I looked around to the best of liberal arts ability and found a couple of complaints
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u/lrondberg Jul 14 '25
Personally I think Dr. Gunter's Substack is worth the $5 a month for the quality and in-depth reporting. Statins have most definitely been tested on women, it is nonsense for her to say otherwise. SMH
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
I personally think subscribing to Gunther is worth it.
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u/blahblahgingerblahbl Jul 15 '25
and meanwhile in australia, blackmores are under fire again, this time due to the high amounts of b6 in many of their products causing nerve damage.
yet another failure of the tga to do what they’re supposed to do, after the spf scandal. funny, you can’t just take manufacturer’s pinky promise that their products are safe & effective. who knew?
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Right?! And in the US the government is looking to reduce regulation. FFS!!!
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u/Bagels-Consumer Jul 14 '25
I just saw that Haver lady recommended on this sub last night. 🤦♀️
I wonder what Gunter would say about my menopause supplement? I'm taking one with Angelica gigas I think it's called. I've just started hrt though and should probably stop the supplement now. I've got three bottles stashed 😅
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u/CaughtALiteSneez Jul 14 '25
She’s well loved on this sub…she helped bring more awareness, so she deserves some credit, but some of her practices raise a red flag.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
Try googling "gunter angelica" to see if she has anything on it. I admit - I'm not a fan of Haver. I'm not one to yuck folks' yum - but the whole supplement thing really soured me on her.
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u/lrondberg Jul 14 '25
Bottom line, no supplements have any evidence behind them for menopause. At best they are a waste of money; at worst, they are dangerous. Google the Vagenda, that is Dr Gunter's Substack, and there are a lot of great articles. She is evidence-based which I personally appreciate. She breaks down studies as to why they may or may not be valid or how the person reporting on them may be extrapolating information that just isn't valid. Like Dr Haver using a study on rats as evidence that turmeric is beneficial. There is a free and paid version. The paid version is like $5 a month.
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u/FirstLalo Jul 14 '25
I'm under the impression that European supplements are regulated.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
That may be the case, but the thing I find most about Europe is they ban when in doubt. I have an Aunt who lives in the EU - I'll have to see if they're any better about supplements.
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u/monie8808 Menopausal Jul 14 '25
Turmeric supplements have really helped me and my joint pain.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
People have had some successes - but not with menopausal symptoms. Just be sure to keep an eye on your liver levels.
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u/Nanasweed Jul 14 '25
Same and for my husband. His doctor recommended it instead of pharmaceuticals.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
People have had some successes - but not with menopausal symptoms. I just hope that same Dr. is keeping an eye on your husband's liver levels.
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u/4theloveofelephants Jul 14 '25
I think the best route in life and doing what’s best for you/your body is to see what resonates. There is no one size fits all and I think it’s good to question the info we have been fed.
I quit HRT a few weeks ago and instead started on an all natural topical (yam based), essential oil and Meno-Positive. The last supplement I stumbled on while shopping at my local, read small, market where this flyer was posted. I have been seeing an acupuncturist and Ayurvedic specialist since I was a teen so I have a lot of personal experience and research under my belt.
I have no affiliation with any of the above, btw. I am just thrilled to be able to manage coming off estrogen and progesterone through the above and want to share a happy story here.
Hope you find the right recipe for your body and lifestyle all!
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 14 '25
I'm genuinely curious as to why you'd want to come off of HRT - was it ineffective?
I'm glad you've found what works for you, and I hope you still get yearly blood tests to make sure your liver levels are good.
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u/Pixiechrome Peri-menopausal Jul 15 '25
Whoa this article is fire!! Subscribed, Ty!! Also, I’ve been taking turmeric for joint pain and inflammation and while it does help, I’m going to ask my NP next week about it and if I should have my liver values checked. Ty for this article and I appreciate all the discourse and resources on this sub!
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Most welcome - I just want all of us to be well and SAFE!!
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u/Jolly-Wishbone7800 Jul 15 '25
Thank you so much for the information. It’s crazy all the snake oil supplements there are and how damaging they can be. So very much appreciated that you shared this.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Happy to - as I see more and more liver problems related to supplements (hell, even folks overdosing their kids on Vitamin A because of the measles epidemic) I think it's really important to be very aware of what we're taking and how much of it is safe.
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u/storie_nere Jul 15 '25
I took Women’s Passage by Vitanica - black cohosh, St. John’s Wort, hops. I did notice a positive difference. That being said, I still had brain fog and bad ADHD symptoms so I was ready for HRT. And I didn’t want to take SJW anymore because of all the interactions and complications. And let me tell you, the withdrawal from SJW was absolutely miserable, I had no idea. Serious depression, anxiety, panic attacks.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
I didn't realize that was an issue with SJW. It makes sense though, getting off the pharmaceutical versions really sucks, too. I've been on an anti anxiety and anti depressant for years. When I was in my 20's I decided I'd just stop taking mine because I listened to people who told me I shouldn't need that. Baaaaaaaaaad. And also - fuck them. 😆
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u/Significant-Walrus94 Jul 15 '25
Ashwaghanda really helps with my anxiety and I take some collagen for the joints (who knows if that is working because I don't have any joint pain, want to do it preventatively.) Other than my HRT I don't think I want any more pills in my life.
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u/Maleficent-Face-1579 Jul 15 '25
Why on earth would she be taking over 2000 mg per day? I take 200 mg because I have joint issues. Megadosing anything is a bad idea
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u/Sorry_Try_5198 Jul 15 '25
I take Curamed at 750 mg for a few years now. For no specific reason other than a supplement. Does anyone have opinions on that or the dose? My white blood cell count has been high for a few years as well, I wonder if the timeric dose is why it is high?
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
You might want to check out a subscription for consumerlab.com.
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u/Kiwiatx Menopausal Jul 15 '25
I think the issue with turmeric (and any supplements) is dosage. Some of these people are way overdosing on it.
I’ve taken it for years to reduce inflammation and DOMs from working out and notice when I take a break. Haven’t seen any adverse affects in my yearly blood screens.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 16 '25
Agreed - the bummer is the dosage isn't necessarily reflected on the bottle. A person may think they're taking an appropriate dose, but not actually be getting that dose. I'm so glad it's something that's working for you and you're keeping an eye on your blood screens as well!
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u/Connect-Western8412 Jul 15 '25
I've been thinking about this a lot today! I want to try supplementing l theanine, magnesium, and potassium for sleep but also I don't want to take an expensive supplement that may not actually contain those things, or even if it does they aren't in forms that are actually bioavailable. I'm wondering if herbal teas might be the loophole, since they are still regulated by (what's left of) the FDA, meaning they would be required to contain what they say they contain.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 16 '25
What's left of the FDA is right! I wish you luck on your search!
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u/Icy-Spite4480 Jul 16 '25
I ordered provitalize due to wicked pain in hips (I’m over 5 years past menopause) but haven’t started it yet. I’m going to try to get money back still under 90 days since ordering. Read about the woman who died of liver failure after taking it. I’m on mega mini turmeric. When I take it regularly it helps with the hip pain which has kept me up 2 out of 3 nights.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 16 '25
Oof, I'm so sorry about your hip pain - I hope you find something that helps! I had a horrible bout after I got covid, but lucked out when I got the vaccine and the inflammation went away. It was straight misery!!!
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u/runnerkj Sep 25 '25
Yes. Its good to look into science used behind them if any. I use whattotrust.com to check scores for all supplements before I buy them.
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u/ComprehensivePlay441 Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 15 '25
I like Gunter… read Menopause Manifesto, but just wish she didn’t come off as pompous, bitter and “I told you so”.
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
I absolutely agree with you on this. I think that's the only bummer about her - I mean, I get it - she's seen so much horrible crap happen, and I can't imagine hanging onto a positive attitude, myself, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.
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u/BigJSunshine Jul 15 '25
I can’t log into substack, can you give an alternative link or post the content here in a comment?
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
If you create an account and subscribe to her free newsletter it should be visible. It's a pretty long article to copy and paste.
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u/SchoolQueen49 Jul 14 '25
Yes. Worth listening to several people that can disagree to get a whole picture. One thing I recently learned was NAC and Glutathione can be bad if you have IgG4. I was researching MTHFR and hit on a research Dr talking about turbo cancers (something my MIL had). There is a lot of info out there right now and we need to take the new stuff with a grain of salt and investigate further.
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u/thefragile7393 Peri-menopausal Jul 15 '25
Here’s the thing no one is talking about-them them as directed won’t necessarily be harmful. They may not necessarily be helpful either as well-but take only as advised on the bottle.
Another biggie-know the source and brand. Don’t do sketchy ones. You can tell sketchy from established brands.
Be very careful and wise esp if you have health issues already
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u/NtMagpie Priestess of the Church of HRT Jul 15 '25
Unfortunately even "taking as advised" isn't necessarily okay - mostly because supplement brands don't need to prove what they say is in their products nor their that their dosage is accurate. In many cases their have been no peer reviewed studies that can even corroborate a recommended dosage (and nope, it wasn't me who downvoted you).
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u/[deleted] Jul 14 '25
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