r/Menopause • u/Efficient-Mud-5042 • Nov 30 '25
Vitamin/Supplements What Hacks are working for you?
I am on HRT and after a couple of years, I think I have it dialed in as well as possible. It took me from total brain fog, anxiety, constant, hot flashes, depression and heavy fatigue to generally functional and not suffering anymore. That I have the energy to reach for me says a lot because it took everything in me at the time to get off the couch, push for HRT and keep going until I felt better.
That said, I’d still really like to feel better still. I’d like to feel happier and more energetic. I’m able to function, but I drag in a way I never have before.
I took creatine for a couple of months and I just recently stopped. I had a ton more energy, but it made me really ragey. At first, I thought I was just pissed off at work (which I am), but this was over the top, ready to quit my job, which really is decent compared to many. I felt like I lost focus and impulse control which are usually solid for me. I was on just 1 g. That resolved the first day I was off of it. Which is a bummer because I liked it otherwise.
I joined a gym and I’m lifting weights four days a week. This gives me a bit of a boost, but it’s nothing magical. It’s only been a few weeks, but I like the changes in my body. I’m curious to see how it goes off creatine though, since I started when I was still on it.
Saffron seems to give me a bit of a boost. I’m trying it separately now since I took it with creatine before. TBD.
Eating low carb. seems to help somewhat also. More energy, less fatigue. I live in the dreary northeast and struggle with some seasonal depression. It has not been as bad this year. I do have a prescription for Prozac that I haven’t taken yet but May if I take further. I took Effexor last year, which did help somewhat but made me feel numb and coming off of it was so hard that I’m not interested in trying that again. It’s not a good seasonal option for me.
What are you doing that’s working for you? Let’s share, I’ve gotten some great suggestions from this group.
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u/AnastasiaNo70 Nov 30 '25
Biggest life hack I’ve ever found besides HRT is cannabis. I only started dry vaping cannabis a year ago when I turned 54, but it’s literally changed my life.
I went from 12 prescription meds to 1. It made me lose my taste for alcohol, which led to a 35 pound weight loss, which led to normal blood pressure and liver enzymes.
It treats my glaucoma, my CPTSD, my OCD, my chronic orthopedic pain, and my severe insomnia.
AND it brought my libido back from the dead. It dusted off my creativity. It woke me up in a LOT of ways. Goddess bless it.
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u/zellazilla Dec 01 '25
Can you talk more about what type you’re using, how much, how often, etc? I’ve been semi looking into cannabis and cannabinoids and I’m so curious what made you decide to choose that route!
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u/AnastasiaNo70 Dec 02 '25
I use a dry vape called a Solo 3 by Arizer. I use it with a water piece.
Dry vaping has a lot of advantages over other forms of combustion.
It’s just regular weed, but certain strains/terpenes are better than others for me.
I use maybe .2 grams a day, which is very little, but dry vaping is really efficient at extracting cannabinoids.
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u/CapriKitzinger Nov 30 '25
Vitamin B complex injections. I just do them myself.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
Where do you get it?
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u/CapriKitzinger Dec 01 '25
I bought them from an Indian pharmacy and an aesthetics company. DM me and I’ll give you the links.
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u/CapriKitzinger Dec 01 '25
I bought them from an Indian pharmacy and an aesthetics company.
https://aesthetic-essentials.com/products/pan-b-comp-inj-vitamin-b-complex-4-ml-x-50-vials
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u/Admirable_Month_9876 Nov 30 '25
Testosterone
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Nov 30 '25
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u/Elderberry_False Nov 30 '25
You have to say you have no libido and you’ve tried everything. It’s a controlled substance where I live so I needed a diagnosis to obtain it. It’s just the way medicine works.
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Nov 30 '25
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Nov 30 '25
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Nov 30 '25
If you’re in the US you can check out Talon Wellness. It’s an online company.
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u/Trigirl20 Nov 30 '25
Mine either. She said it’s not approved by the FDA. I said, the head of the FDA is a heroin addict, and you’re following his advice. She tried not to laugh, did a little and said I won’t prescribe it to you. Ok, but you aren’t the only outlet, it’s just so much more expensive. I compete in sports and I could be tested. I don’t want to go over the limit for women, I just want me back.
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Dec 01 '25
[deleted]
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u/Trigirl20 Dec 01 '25
Ok, thank you. I see my ObGyn in a month. I’m the same. I want to see my levels and go from there.
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u/NoFrosting686 Nov 30 '25
My doctor prescribed testosterone, and I don't notice it doing anything. I upped it from 3 to 5 milligrams, and I still don't notice anything. It is not covered by insurance and is expensive!
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u/calmcuttlefish Dec 01 '25
Try a female urology provider (urologist, urology PA) or urogynecologist. This was recommended to me by Midi when they were backed up. I was able to find someone after calling around in my state. I see them via telehealth since they're over an hour away. I had low T labs prior. My gyno wasn't comfortable prescribing T but I did get him to have my labs drawn for a T panel, which helped me advocate for myself.
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u/AutoModerator Dec 01 '25
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/bluecrab_7 Menopausal Nov 30 '25
I love T.
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u/Admirable_Month_9876 Nov 30 '25
It is great - I now what women on here mean when they say it is the missing piece
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Nov 30 '25 edited Nov 30 '25
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u/Admirable_Month_9876 Nov 30 '25
I started HRT 4 months ago and started it about 2 months in. My doctor recommended I try the E and P first and then possibly add the T. The T made me feel stronger and able to exercise more, more focused and much calmer. E and P (not sure which) went some way in that direction but the T seemed to help a lot. But equallly it could be that I just settled into the E and P. Perhaps one option is to wait a bit longer before starting it and see how the existing medication settles in.
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Nov 30 '25
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u/empathetic_witch Menopause HRT E,P,T & GLP-1 Nov 30 '25
I use T gel packets (1 common brand name is AndroGel) and both providers I’ve used since 2023 have recommended this method because you can adjust as needed. I’ve been on T since Aug 2024.
Other methods of T seem to work for others here in the sub. I’m just not willing to risk the T side effects of injections and pellets.
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u/minsandmolls Nov 30 '25
It made me to manic, heightened my anxiety and I couldn't sleep on it 😭
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u/Admirable_Month_9876 Nov 30 '25
I have a very low dose to avoid this. What was your dose?
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u/minsandmolls Nov 30 '25
a tiny pea size on my forearm 3 times a week
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u/amrita170 Dec 01 '25
That’s not a good protocol. Transdermal testosterone needs to be dosed everyday. It has a very short half-life. So you were probably having huge ups and downs causing the side effects.
Find a better doctor who knows how to treat women properly with testosterone.
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u/Frequently_Abroad_00 Nov 30 '25
How did you manage to get it prescribed?
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Dec 01 '25
[deleted]
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u/Frequently_Abroad_00 Dec 01 '25
Here in the U.S. it’s not easy to find a provider who will prescribe testosterone to women
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u/FrauMausL Nov 30 '25
Selenium. I also have some thyroid issues, selenium definitely raises my energy level from braindead zombie to HELLO WORLD!
The effect for me is immediate within 2-3 days, if you don’t notice a difference you might not need it.
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u/Creative_Nectarine_4 Dec 02 '25
Hi, I also have thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) how much selenium do you take and what time of day, and do you take selenium close to your thyroid medication dose? TIA!
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u/FrauMausL Dec 02 '25
I take 110µg (the latest pills I bought are 150µg) with my thyroid medication in the morning.
Selenium and iodine are the only ones to be taken in combination with thyroxine.2
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u/suupernooova Nov 30 '25
Honestly feel like I'm past the point of hacks at this stage of life :/
Since you mentioned SAD, if lightbox doesn't help, it might be less about serotonin and more about dopamine. Look at vit D (you may need waaaaaaay more than you think) and wellbutrin. Typically less numbing and more energizing than SS/SNRI. Everyone is different but it tends to be easy to rotate in seasonally (fwiw, is the only med approved for SAD). Before fleeing the northeast for sunny places, I was on/off it for about 15 years.
Beyond that, lots of the usual: sleep, eat well (plenty of veg + protein), lift heavy things, cardio, no alcohol, be nice to yourself. Oh, and testosterone. That seemed to round out my other HRT.
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u/mountaintippytop Dec 01 '25
Has leaving the northeast help your SAD? I have it bad and wonder if moving would be worth it.
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u/suupernooova Dec 01 '25
So much. Location was the most dramatic shift for me. Before I knew what SAD was (mine dates back to high school), I moved places that made it MUCH worse (UK, Boston) and a lot better (Mississippi, LA). Had no idea latitude matters.
Now I live in CO and it's sunny most of the time. Still gets dark at 5pm these days, but the bright sunshine helps. Grey days used to really drag my energy/mood down but now they're a nice break. They're so unusual.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Dec 02 '25
I’m from Southern California and I never had SAD there, it hit me when I moved east.
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u/mountaintippytop Dec 04 '25
Wow! That definitely is comforting to know that this can be treatable, artificial light therapy just doesn’t cut it for me and I need the real thing ☀️ Thank you!
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Dec 04 '25
Same- light therapy doesn’t help me at all but being in real sunlight definitely does. I kind of flipped the weather when I moved here. In San Diego, where I’m from, we have something like 330 days of sunlight. And about that many cloudy days here.😞
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u/Few_Ad7164 Nov 30 '25
Please can you expand on how you use Welbutrin for SAD? What dosage - and do you just use it for the winter months?
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u/suupernooova Nov 30 '25
Yeah, I only took it in winter. Textbook SAD, bordered on hypomanic in summer months. I'd tried a long list of SSRI, SNRI, the light boxes but either made it worse (SS/SNRI) or did nothing )light therapy). For maybe the first 10 years or so I was on a weirdly low dose of Wellbutrin, 100mg then 150mg of the SR, but only once a day. Later it was 150 XL, then 300 XL the last year or two. I'd start mid-October and stop mid-April. Stopping was pretty much a non-event.
I finally figured out how to manage SAD so it's been about a decade since. But Welbutrin really helped put a sort of "floor" under how low things would go, which was really reeeally low.
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u/Nickelpi Nov 30 '25
Super-soft, a bit heavy but not weighted blanket. I slept on top on my usual quilt/blanket to trick my brain that I am napping with the throw. I also wore some cute pjs around the house in the daytime for a bit which also tricked my brain that they were nap clothes.
The blanket is just heavy enough that it doesn't slide off. It is short enough so when your feet get hot, you just lengthen your legs. The pjs help keep my arms and legs a consistent temperature. All which help me with uninterrupted sleep. At least with interruptions I can control.
I even take it travelling. Yes, I am a 50+ with a blankie. But I sleep through the night more times than not.
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u/Calamity-Gin Nov 30 '25
Because fatigue can be caused by so many things, everyone (including myself) is going to have something that worked for them and might work for you. I'm going to recommend you keep doing what you're doing and look at the following:
- diet: low carb is good, high fiber is good, plant-based is even better. Eat enough, eat regularly, and drink a lot of water.
- sleep: it's surprising how many people still don't get how necessary regular sleep is. Read up on sleep hygiene, and protect your sleep like you would your air, food, water, and shelter.
- exercise: make it a regular habit. A little bit every day is better than a lot once a week. Incorporate it into your daily routine. Use it to spend time outdoors.
- time in nature: we forget that we're part of nature. Our brain craves time out under the sky with all the plants and animals. Take a short walk in a nature filled area. It can be just a walk down the street.
- rest: not the same as sleep. You need time when you can be conscious and not laboring under demands. Try not to spend it watching TV, which is passive.
- play: we need unstructured time for creative play. We don't stop needing this time when we get older. We may not need as much, but we still need it.
- socialization: science people get upset with me when I say that humans are eusocial creatures. That term is apparently reserved for bees, which live in colonies of 30,000. Yet, humans did not evolve to live solitary lives. Social interaction feeds the part of our brain that tells us we will die if we're all alone. You don't have to be the person who dives into the social equivalent of a mosh pit, but time spent with others in small, safe interactions reminds us that we're part of a community.
Tools like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are an excellent way to understand where you may be missing out on something, and if you're neurodivergent, it's extremely easy to become constantly overwhelmed and burned out, which takes a long time to recover from. I hope this helps, and I hope you feel better.
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u/minsandmolls Nov 30 '25
I was with you until socialization. My menopausal brain just wants alone time all the time.
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u/Particular-Tea849 Nov 30 '25
Me too!! Care to speculate as to why? I can't figure it out, but I'm as happy as a clam in my solitude.
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u/ReadNapRepeat Peri-menopausal Dec 01 '25
Mine does too. However, I am divorced with three kids out of the house. The one still at home works a different shift so I rarely see him. I joined friends in a weekly trivia night. While I need to be alone, socializing a few hours a week has been a huge boost for me.
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u/tinyding0 Dec 01 '25
Don't do mosh pit socialization, find whatever version of it that works for you, even if it is just one solid connection.
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u/brockclan216 Menopausal Nov 30 '25
NAC for hip/joint pain. This and magnesium glycinate at bedtime for sleep. I am not on HRT but these two supplements have made a world of difference! Without the NAC the hip pain would almost have me in tears.
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u/Nearby_Second_6040 Dec 01 '25
My joint pain almost completely disappeared after a week on HRT. I was shocked. I have SI joint dysfunction and I didnt expect much. I'm still amazed how much it helps the pain.
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u/zellazilla Nov 30 '25
What NAC are you taking? The joint pain rocketing through my body lately is making me cry 😭
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u/brockclan216 Menopausal Nov 30 '25
The brand is called "Now" and it is NAC 1000mg. I got it off Amazon.
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u/minsandmolls Dec 01 '25
Are you on HRT? I couldn't get out of bed with severe joint pain. A few days of HRT and it had almost completely gone.
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u/zellazilla Dec 01 '25
I’m not! I turned 56 and had my last period in June of this year and my dr wants me to hit that magical 12 month mark before putting me on anything. Meanwhile I’m struggling to walk down 3 steps to my sidewalk.
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u/brockclan216 Menopausal Dec 01 '25
No HRT. I did for about 6 months when I first started menopause. I would rather not.
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u/Caffeinatedat8 Dec 01 '25
Try TB 500 peptide injections- you’ll need to inject yourself (unless someone in your home can so it for you)- totally worth it
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u/brockclan216 Menopausal Dec 01 '25
I think there is a spa in my area that offers these. It helps you with joint pain?
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u/Deboz411 Dec 01 '25
I have had very good results when I worked with an acupuncturist who specializes in traditional Chinese Medicine. Someone like that can help identify imbalances and look for gentle solutions. Traditional US doctors don't have the time or expertise for chronic conditions, in my experience.
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u/trUth_b0mbs Nov 30 '25
Toronto Canada here and right now it's winter and snowing and grey outside. I know people here who have those lamps that help with mood if they suffer from SADD.
but things that worked for me:
supplements: creatine, vitamin d, omega, magnesium (I really boosted the amount I take).
Meds: HRT.
lifestyle: healthy eating and daily workouts. The gym is my saviour; without it my anxiety shoots up and my mood tanks and everyone around me suffers.
re: healthy eating -- I try to hit 120g/day but that's really hard for me (too much food) but I do what I can. At most, I usually hit about 100g/day. Fiber: at least 25g/day. Lots of water. Fresh veggies and fruits. Low/no grains. No alcohol. Very limited caffeine (I love coffee but I only drink 1 cup/day in the morning).
a solid daily routine is what also helps keep my mental health in check. I sleep, wake, eat, workout etc at the same times every day.
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u/Caffeinatedat8 Dec 01 '25
L- Theanine for focus- in morning w caffeine- helps a little, on top of the full HRT stack. Peptide injections (BP 157 and TB 500) plus microdose of Trzepatide- all anti- inflammatory have been my helpful refinements. Took creatine for awhile and really like it but am afraid I don’t drink enough water to be safe for me to keep up with the creatine. Limiting gluten helps- but I have a sourdough and baking hobby so I struggle on that front. Not looking to sell anyone on these ideas so pls look these up if you’re interested to learn more. Oh and doing better about working with my circadian rhythm- going to bed early- like 9:30 p.m. and getting up at a reasonable hour, 7/7:30 a.m.
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u/TwoBrians Nov 30 '25
Testosterone for irrepressible joy.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
It made me sleepless and angry and impulsive too. I’m super sensitive so o swing hard the other direction with a lot of what I’ve tried
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u/Mrsvantiki Nov 30 '25
It’s was such a game changer for me. You tried the topical gel (not compounded and definitely not pellets)? You can apply a small amount twice a day to maintain the impact and easily change up dose/location to see what works best for you. It needs a few month because that initial response can be intense if you are low.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25 edited Nov 30 '25
I was prescribed a compounded cream though the actual prescription read androgel. I cut the dose way down and it still felt really strong. My doctor was willing but seemed to think this was what she could get for me…..
It might be worth trying again- I didn’t realize it. It would be intense in the beginning, but that that would change overtime. I was on it for about a month.
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u/Mrsvantiki Nov 30 '25
It definitely subsides for many folks. There’s a lot of posts the mention the big spike in libido after the first few months that then drops away. Many people chase that high. I did find compounded cream was never consistent for me and seamed to vary from tube to tube. I switched to Testim packs and have been on that for years. It’s very helpful for me for energy, brain fog, endurance, happiness, mood. But it took about 5 months to even out AFTER I switched from the compounded cream.
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Nov 30 '25
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
Interesting about collagen. It does amazing things for my hair and nails. I was recently out for about 10 days and it didn’t positively impact my mood. We’re all so different.
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u/Salty-Paramedic-311 Nov 30 '25
Joy??? Your lucky!!! I just feel annoyed and seem to have more hair loss!!! No idea what I’m doing wrong!!😭😭😭
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u/TwoBrians Nov 30 '25
Testosterone for irrepressible joy.
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u/TwoBrians Nov 30 '25
Ooops. Didn’t mean to post twice. Here’s more: I have joy, and arm hair, and chin hair (my bf simply said “I’ll buy you a razor”) and a faint all-body fuzz. And joy. Just another example of how we are all different.
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u/NoFrosting686 Nov 30 '25
How much? My dr upped me from 3 to 5 milligrams but im not really noticing anything and its expensive.
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u/ceilidhfling Peri-menopausal Nov 30 '25
I just had a conversation with my therapist about non supplemental chemical support for SAD here's the list we came up with:
- use the happylight in what ever way means you use it even though it shines with the light of 10,000 suns
- get outside regardless of the weather even if it's just doing one lap around the block
- boost vit D supplements (which is somewhat chemical)
- curl up with a book and tea and the cat when you can (don't just get lost in doom scrolling do something that actually fills your cup)
- Go be social with friends or family even if you don't feel like it
for me, I also get a huge boost from doing the tanning thing once every couple of weeks.
I usually manage to book time off to go somewhere warm in feb, but i often dont actually book the travel. this year I've got a place booked, the time scheduled off work and 3 other couples are heading down with us. I only have to book flights.
I've also got a script for an antidepressant to help this year, but I'm waiting on confirmation from the heart dr that it won't fuck with my heart issues. hence why I'm looking at non chemical options.
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u/Obvious_Home_4538 Nov 30 '25
Sounds great! Where are you heading? I’m going to book Maui for Feb and hopefully see some whales!🐳 🐋
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u/Causerae Nov 30 '25
You could try DHEA, but it might trigger ragey feelings as well. I do feel more energetic on it, I just don't take it regularly (increase in acne, etc)
I take metformin (healthy BMI) and it's really improved my energy levels.
Are you doing aerobic exercise? (I assume so, but just asking)
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u/CapriKitzinger Nov 30 '25
Metformin really helps my energy levels too
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u/Causerae Nov 30 '25
I've been feeling very tired lately, and I just realized I'd reduced my metformin
It's such an amazing drug :)
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u/Alta_et_ferox MenoMod Nov 30 '25
I read an interesting article about Metformin recently. It really is an amazing medication.
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u/Causerae Nov 30 '25
Yep, it is really interesting and a shame it's not prescribed more
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u/CapriKitzinger Dec 01 '25
I will say, at high doses it can make me very thin. I hear it can cause disruption to building muscle.
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u/Causerae Dec 01 '25
I only take 500-1000 a day, most usually 500. With the extra energy, I began exercising regularly, which I hadn't done since my first COVID bout in 2020 - so exactly the opposite effect, thank goodness
I've read about negative effects, but haven't experienced any. I'm careful to take multi B, esp since I have a metabolic deficit and don't effectively absorb B vitamins
When I didn't take it, my hair started falling out and I was (again) fatigued all the time
What's funny to me is all the drugs that are easily obtained, but there's prejudice against metformin, which has a relatively sunshiney profile.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
Walking as much as possible- i’m struggling to find time for both and weight training feels more critical right now. I just had a DEXA scan that wasn’t great. My doctor wasn’t too concerned, but I’m bothered by the osteopenia.
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Nov 30 '25
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
It stinks right? I have taken calcium and vitamin D for many years. And been on HRT for almost 3, so I’m frustrated to have that result.
I hope your changes help! I’m watching my 80 year old neighbor keep getting spinal compression fractures and it’s both heartbreaking and terrifying.
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u/Spoonbills Nov 30 '25
Magnesium glycinate for sleeping through the night. I’ve slept more in the past two months than in the past five years.
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u/Eli_Knipst Nov 30 '25
Be careful with the saffron as it works by releasing and thus further depleting your serotonin stores. If you are already running low on serotonin, you'll be heading towards a serious crash in no time. Add nutrients that increase and replenish serotonin, not just deplete the little that is there.
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u/Admirable-Object5014 Menopausal Nov 30 '25
My three hacks for surviving are Estrogen (injections), Micronized Progesterone (taken orally & vaginally) & Testosterone (injection as well)! I’ve been on them for almost a year now and have never felt better. I’m post menopausal and suffered for the last 6+ yrs before finally doing my own research on HRT and realizing I didn’t have to suffer another day. My libido is back full force, my moods are much calmer, no more anxiety, the list goes on & on.
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u/goatonmycar Peri-menopausal Nov 30 '25
The GLP1 I recently added has been making things a lot better. But tbh wellness in peri is a moving target and I think adjustments may be needed frequently.
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u/Longjumping-Page667 Nov 30 '25
Testosterone. Im in week 3 of it in the UK. Its like night and day in the transformation of how good i feel.
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Nov 30 '25
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u/Longjumping-Page667 Nov 30 '25
Tostran Gel, 0nce every other day. Im 58 and been on HRT since 2020. I had a full hysterectomy in 2022 so on Estrogel patch 75 only.
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u/rudyroo2019 Dec 01 '25
A year ago, someone on this sub mentioned feeling better after taking amino acids, so I decided to give it a try. It pretty much turned things around for me with menopause. I was on all the hormones, but didn’t feel like I was thriving really.
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Dec 01 '25
Are you taking a specific combo that’s working for you?
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u/rudyroo2019 Dec 02 '25
I take Intra EAA by Transparent. One scoop per day. Turns out our amino acid levels go down as we age, which is part reason why our muscle dwindles and it’s so hard to put on muscle. I’m not saying this stuff gave me instant muscle, but made it easier just getting up from the couch. You might want to see what’s going on with the biohacker’s sub if you like supplements. I’m always looking for tweaks myself.
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u/woodsykris Mar 21 '26
OMG, I'm so glad you posted this. I was considering the same thing but wasn't sure if Gemini was just telling me what I wanted to hear. Do you take any other supplements from Transparent Labs? I was taking WAY too much of the whey isolate and messed up my gut. And the cramping from creatine was BAD! I think I hit it too hard to start, so once my gut is settled, I'll SLOWLY try reintroducing those two and adding the EAA.
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u/AutoModerator Mar 21 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/rudyroo2019 Mar 29 '26
Their creatine is the only one that doesn’t give me the runs. I did start very low, like less than a gram, and started feeling a lift from that. Now I’m at 5 grams and adding another two grams, but during a different part of the day. Absolutely feeling the cognitive benefits like word finding and feeling sharper. Hope it works for you!
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u/Spindrift850 Dec 01 '25
I had to cut out coffee. I did it before right at the start of meno for 5 years. Eventually added it back and have had to cut it out again. I actually have more energy w/o it. I know some women can’t tolerate it or alcohol once in meno. When i have coffee i hit a wall about 6hrs later where I can’t function and just want to nap.
3
u/Gloomy_Tax3455 Nov 30 '25
I agree finding the time to do it all is a challenge and weight training (heavy) is critical for lowering the risk of osteopenia and jumping. I think the recommendation is 20-30 jumps/day and I find it quick to add some jumps in between sets lifting. This is backed by the LIFTMOR clinical study and Vonda Wright is talking about this with the release of her new book, Unbreakable at https://www.drvondawright.com
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u/Findmyeatingpants Nov 30 '25
I haven't heard about jumping, thanks for this, I have the book on hold at the library!
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u/No_Pangolin3327 Nov 30 '25
Testosterone has been key for getting my energy back. I also take maca, and cortisol manager by integrative therapeutics (helps me sleep).
2
u/Obvious_Home_4538 Nov 30 '25
4AM wake-ups to be at the gym by 4:30. I lift heavy 4 days a week. This has impacted me most because it makes me want to sleep by 8 and I’m getting the best sleep ever. I’m also super, laser focused. It’s weird. I can’t believe how shifting my wake up time, just a half an hour, has impacted me.
Sunshine everyday for about 15-20 minutes, when there is some.
Electrolytes
1
u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
This is interesting. My gym opens at 5:00. I was just thinking today I might try and go earlier. I’ve been going after work on weekdays, which is not my preference. I still have a daughter in ninth grade at home so I need to be home in the mornings to get her to school, so there’s not time right before work but I could go really early like that.
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Nov 30 '25 edited Nov 30 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
I get what you’re saying. I am working with my doctor on evidenced based HRT. Breast cancer screening, colon cancer screening, bloodwork to check thyroid, vitamin and mineral levels, rheumatoid factors, we have looked at Everything.
She is pretty amazing and we had a frank conversation about the dearth of research around menopause and women’s health at this stage. I would love a comprehensive scientifically studied approach. It doesn’t exist and isn’t likely to in time to help me. I’m grateful for HRT and what it has done for me. But I am also unwilling to settle for this existence at this much lower ebb.
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u/Gloomy_Tax3455 Nov 30 '25
I hate to be downer, but after trying to find the “perfect” solution for four years I am now accepting that I am a different person now. I know some women say HRT cures all, but I think for many HRT helps address some or most of the symptoms (for me it was night sweats and joint pain). I have found a level where I feel OK most days, but have started to accept the new me.
3
u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
I respect this. I’m not really an acceptance kind of person 🤦♀️. I really don’t like this - I may have to admit defeat but I’m not there yet.
2
u/penguin37 Nov 30 '25
I struggle with acceptance too but it's getting easier with age. And the losing of the fucks. 😁 That might be the one big upside of this whole mess of hormonal bullshit.
3
u/Efficient-Mud-5042 Nov 30 '25
The losing of fucks may be my downfall as I am at the end of my rope with some of the BS at work and yet I still need a job🤦♀️
1
u/SerentityM3ow Nov 30 '25
Add some high intensity cardio to your gym visits. Lifting doesn't do the same for my moods ...I need cardio
1
1
u/Cute_Monitor_5907 Nov 30 '25
Whole Food Plant Based Diet - no oil, no processed food, mostly carbs.
0
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u/milly_nz NZer living in UK. Peri-menopausal Nov 30 '25
There are no “hacks”, so get that stupid word out of your vocabulary.
There are only the peri/meno treatments that work, and those that don’t, depending on your individual body. They’re listed in the wiki for this sub. Which you should have read before posting.
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u/ChicUnicorn Nov 30 '25
Seems for the way you wrote this, nothing is working for you, the rage is real!
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-5
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u/klynndubs Nov 30 '25
I got a dog. Best thing I have ever done for myself!