Women's Health

Healthspan customer reviews

Women's health guides

Menopause

As oestrogen and progesterone levels decline during menopause, many women can suffer from unwanted symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood changes. Healthspan offers a wide range of supplements aimed at supporting women through menopause.

Soy Isoflavones (120 tablets) are natural phytoestrogens, which are similar in structure to the human hormone oestrogen. These natural phytoestrogens are thought to mimic our own oestrogen, and may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, sweating, restlessness and irritability. Read more about soy isoflavones.

Another natural phytoestrogen is sage, and several studies have shown promising results in this herb's ability to alleviate hot flushes in women during menopause. Healthspan's Sage (120 tablets, 2,000mg) is often taken together with Black Cohosh Menopause Relief (60 tablets); a traditional herbal medicine that is also used to help relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and temporary mood changes. Read more about how black cohosh can help hot flushes.

Healthspan's Flaxseed Oil (120 capsules, 1,000mg) is a good source of lignans, which may act in a similar way to natural phytoestrogens. Flaxseed oil also supports heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol levels.

For those looking for comprehensive menopause support in one supplement, MenoSerene (60 tablets) is a powerful multivitamin that contains 12 vitamins and eight minerals, along with sage, soy isoflavones and flaxseed, in a dual-tablet formulation.

As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, many women suffer from vaginal dryness, as well as dry skin. Healthspan's Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil (60 capsules, 500mg) provides high levels of omega 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids, which can help to nourish the delicate membranes of the eyes, nose and vagina, alleviating the symptoms of dryness.

Find out more about what to expect during the menopause.

Pregnancy

It's especially important to look after our bodies during pregnancy, when we might need more of certain vitamins and minerals. Folic acid – also called vitamin B9 – is particularly important, as it supports cell formation and foetal development. Healthspan's Folic Acid (360 tablets, 400 micrograms) is a high-strength formulation that is ideal for women in the early stages of pregnancy.

Other vitamins and nutrients important during pregnancy are vitamin D, which is important for boosting calcium absorption; Healthspan's Vitamin D3 provides the 10 micrograms of vitamin D recommended for pregnant women by the Department of Health. Omega 3 is important for a baby's developing brain, eyes and nervous system; Veg-Omega 3 provides 1,000mg of vegan-friendly algal-sourced omega 3.

For more advice on how to look after your health during pregnancy, see our guide to what to eat during pregnancy.

Menstrual cycle supplements

During their periods, many women suffer from pelvic or back cramps, but premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is also common, with symptoms including breast swelling and tenderness, mood swings, tiredness and insomnia.

Healthspan offers several supplements that may help. If you suffer from pain during your period, Agnus Castus Premenstrual Relief (60 tablets, 4mg) is a traditional herbal remedy used for the treatment of PMS and menstrual cramps.

It's thought that agnus castus (also known as chasteberry) reduces levels of the hormone prolactin, which in turn helps to rebalance other hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, and reduces PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness and irritability.

Evening primrose oil and starflower oil are also thought to be beneficial for women during their menstrual cycles. Both supplements contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): a beneficial fatty acid that is thought to relieve painful menstruation and reduce discomfort associated with PMS. Healthspan offers Starflower Oil (90 capsules, 1,000mg) and two strengths of Evening Primrose Oil – 1,000mg (90 capsules) and 500mg (180 capsules).

It's thought that many women of childbearing age are deficient in iron – the NHS recommends that women between the ages of 19 and 49 need 14.8mg of iron a day, compared to men and women over 50, who need 8.7mg a day.

Women who have heavy periods and/or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are more likely to be deficient in iron – symptoms of which include fatigue, dizziness, weakness and pale skin. If iron levels drop too low, it can lead to anemia: a deficiency in healthy red blood cells.

Healthspan's IronCare (120 tablets, 14mg) is a vegan, stomach-friendly complex containing iron, vitamins B2 and C, which help with iron metabolism and absorption, and vitamin B6, which can boost energy and combat fatigue. Alternatively, Elite Iron Complex (120 tablets, 14mg) is designed for female athletes wanting extra support with their iron levels.

Vitamins and minerals for balancing hormones

As well as the nutrients and supplements mentioned above, there are several vitamins and minerals that are also needed for healthy hormone production and regulation. In addition to the above-mentioned physiological effects of hormone imbalance, it can also affect the skin and hair: find out more about how hormones can affect your hair.

Some of the most important vitamins for healthy hormone balance are the B vitamins. Vitamin B5 – also called pantothenic acid – contributes to the normal synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D, and is also required for normal adrenal function.

Vitamin B6 – pyridoxine – contributes to the regulation of normal hormonal activity, while vitamin B3 (niacin) plays a role in the production of DHEA, a precursor to testosterone and oestrogen. For comprehensive vitamin B support, try Healthspan's Vitamin B Complex (180 tablets) or High Strength Vitamin B Complex (120 tablets). Read more about the importance of B vitamins for hormonal health.

Magnesium is an essential co-factor in fatty acid metabolism, and therefore contributes to the maintenance of hormonal health. Healthspan offers magnesium supplements in various formats.

Women's supplements for all ages

Healthspan offers high-quality supplements to support women of all ages – whether they are in their childbearing years, entering perimenopause or firmly post-menopause.

Several other supplements support women at certain ages. For example, MultiVitality 50 Plus is formulated to provide all the vitamins and minerals needed for those over 50, while MultiVitality 70 Plus is aimed at those aged 70 and over. These multivitamins provide all the micronutrients needed as you get older.

If you need expert advice on which women's health supplement is right for you, please contact us. You can find more information on women's health in our advice section.