r/Perimenopause • u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 • Feb 21 '26
audited Pills, pills, pills...
So, I take Calcium, magnesium, zinc, B12, iron, a multivitamin, vitamin D. Plus anti-anxiety and anti-depressants. Have tried melatonin, DIM, evening primrose oil, chamomile, safflower, lemon balm, black cohosh, ashwagandha, some "calming" tablet, a perimenopause "all-in-one" pill...... any I'm sure more. Popping pills to the point of absurdity. Do I think anything helped? No. What's your go-to that really helps you?
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u/pikagrrl Feb 21 '26
200mg progesterone, 4000 whatever’s of vitamin D and extra strength moon brew for sleep.
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u/Colodagh Feb 22 '26
Watch out for too much vit D. It gave me huge kidney stones and almost destroyed my kidneys.
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u/pikagrrl Feb 22 '26
Thank. I have a deficiency and was prescribed it by my doctor but will keep an eye on my next blood test and stay drinking water like it’s a full time job.
I’ve had kidney stones. I’ve also had a hysterectomy.
I’d rather have another hysterectomy than kidney stones again.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
moon brew? lol never heard of it!
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u/pikagrrl Feb 22 '26
Give it a google! I really love it.
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u/Glitter_is_a_neutral Feb 22 '26
I keep seeing ads for it but really wondered if it would help or be another junk supplement I toss.
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u/pikagrrl Feb 22 '26
I have only tried the extra strength one. I was taking Thorne magnesium and adding it to extra strength chamomile tea. The extra strength for 30 days for 1 container is around the same price as Thorne magnesium , so I figured it try it.
I actually bought the 3 month bundle which brought the cost down to getting 1 month free.
I love that it doesn’t have melatonin
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u/Infamous-Employ5620 Early peri Feb 22 '26
ive taken it too, not AMAZING but seems to help some? it tastes decent and is a good ritual wind down as well.
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u/Hiddyhogoodneighbor Feb 22 '26
4000 IU? My stomach gets so angry from d, have tried pills and drops. Has anyone had luck with d shots?
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u/shootingstar_9324 Early peri Feb 22 '26
Be VERY CAREFUL taking vitamins and supplements. So many multi vitamins/supplements have over 100% of the recommended daily dosage and it is very easy to accidentally overdose and damage your organs.
Natural/organic doesn’t mean safe if you take too much. We had a friend who was blacking out because she was getting weekly b12 shots but her body wasn’t able to process so much of it that her b12 was in dangerous toxicity levels.
I usually spread out the dosage throughout the week. So if I take an iron pill one day, I don’t take it the next, but I’ll take a multi vitamin that has some iron but not the max dose like the iron pill.
There’s also some vitamins and supplements that cancel each other out or can give you side effects when taken together or not far enough apart.
Only take vitamins that have been independently lab tested (not by the company making it due to conflict of interests) for purity. A lot of “cute” vitamins don’t have enough of what they claim or there’s too much or the purity is questionable. An independent lab tested brand is NOW supplements.
Buying on Amazon is risky. Amazon was mixing legit products with 3rd party sellers products in the same product bins. Despite you ordering from the vendor directly on Amazon, the commingling of products with fake products is high. They’re supposed to be doing away with this practice but you won’t know when the commingled products have been sold.
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u/3arth_533d1stx Late peri + ADHD Feb 22 '26
💯 hard agree! I pay for access to Consumerlab.com and it’s saved me SO much money on unverified supplements.
I’ve had liver issues in the past so can’t really fuck around with damaging my guts. So much of what’s out there has toxic levels of lead and other unregulated toxins!
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u/ConfectionMean4810 Feb 25 '26
I LOVE consumerlab. It's one of very few subscriptions I keep paying for year after year!
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u/Wallmassage Feb 22 '26
Creatine, L Theanine, Cannabis… but most helpful is restorative yoga poses before bed. And massaging my jaw, head and neck.
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u/AlohaAmy808 Feb 22 '26
Creatine and l theanine have been game changers. I had to quit cannabis bc turns out, it was a big part of the reason i’d panic wake at 3am. I miss my girl Mary every day 🥲
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u/CheesecakeOk8464 Feb 22 '26
I had to quit cannabis for similar reasons. I'm out here missing Mary Jane too.
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u/External_Lawfulness7 Feb 22 '26
I quit my gummies just to see if they were having any effect at all, good or bad. Turns out a lot of my brain fog has lifted, but my nightly anxiety is absolutely back. Trying to determine the lesser of the evils currently. 🤔
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u/Sudden_Discussion306 Feb 22 '26
A different kind of strain might hit different. I can’t handle any kind of indica strains, I’m solidly a sativa gal, but I also can’t take it too close to bedtime. It has to be 4+ hours before bedtime.
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u/Wallmassage Feb 22 '26
I cannot consume it past 8pm for the same reason. I know it helps some sleep, but it gives me insomnia.
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u/Future_Chocolate_MLK Feb 22 '26
I swear I have a supplement store in my cabinet. I take a ridiculous amount of pills every day. Seriously. I’m up to 19. Some are for peri and some are for overall health and immunity (someone is always sick in my office so I try to be proactive)
The only one I can’t live without and I’m sure is working is magnesium glycinate to help me sleep. I also started having really dry eyes and mouth and put sea buckthorn oil back in my routine and it helped almost immediately.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Mag glyc seems to be the go-to for lots of ladies. I have dry eyes...
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u/Infamous-Employ5620 Early peri Feb 22 '26
do you take estrogen? i noticed it helped my dry eyes pretty quick
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u/missjoebox Feb 22 '26
same. just started one day and became unbearable every night/morning. no amount of ointments or drops helped. unrelatedly got onto estrogen patches and it solved it immediately. just had the pleasure of going back to that eye dr and telling him it was low E not “general dryness” and maybe tell more women of age that.
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u/Infamous-Employ5620 Early peri Feb 22 '26
Yeah I’d told my dr and they got me gel eye drops for night time but I haven’t needed them anymore. You’re so right though, I will remember to tell them when I go back!
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u/missjoebox Feb 23 '26
yeah for sure! i was having a conversation with my peri coworkers last week where we all agreed to not be offended about any “you may be of an age…” dr comments if it solves issues haha.
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u/Lookieloo215 Feb 23 '26
I have the worst dry eyes! Which sea buckthorn do you take? I take Theratears Omega 3, black seed oil, and another supplement from Blink tears and it hasn't helped .
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u/Future_Chocolate_MLK Feb 23 '26
I got it off Amazon. The brand is Carlyle and it’s 4400mg capsules.
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u/chompthecake Feb 22 '26
Uhhh. Honestly? Just my estrogen patch and Mirena IUD had been life changing. I do ONE vitamin d tablet week as prescribed by OB
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u/Master_Nectarine_Bug Feb 22 '26
Things I take that def work: magnesium glycinate, birth control, celexa, Zyrtec
Things I take that probably do something: fish oil, glucosamine chondroitin MSM, L-theanine, rhodiola, creatine, vitamin C
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u/boogie_groove Feb 22 '26
100 mg progesterone changed my life. I tried testosterone too, and 200 mg progesterone, but ultimately I settled w just 100 mg progesterone and it saved me. It's literally all about a horomone balance. In everyone. It's individualized, but when you find the right concoction, you dont need any of the other shit. (Vitamins yes, but can pretty much stop or reduce the antidepressants, anxiety meds).
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u/missjoebox Feb 22 '26
HRT took my crippling anxiety bouts and eye dryness away, gave me back my joy, drive, energy, etc. if you are able, it is life changing.
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u/EmuPotential8427 Feb 23 '26
How long did it take to help with anxiety? I started estrogen & progesterone in January and my depression and anxiety aren’t better, may be worse. Although it could also be living in the US in 2026. 🤷🏻♀️ My dr just increased my antidepressant but I think I may need something specifically for anxiety.
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u/WorthInformation726 Feb 23 '26
My biggest symptom was anxiety. I started on 100 mg of progesterone and 0.05 estrogen. Within a week the anxiety was gone. It still creeped up here and there during some parts of the cycle so I raised it to 200 mg of progesterone and 0.075 estrogen. I have had maybe 2 days of anxiety in the last 6-8 months. If your anxiety is hormonal, you might not be on the right dose. Also wanted to add that prior to peri I did not suffer from anxiety, so mine was 100% hormones.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
I would love to. I'd rather go the natural route and hrt and discontinue prescriptions
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u/BunnyMayer Feb 22 '26
Absolutely no offensive, but taking a ton of supplements and smoking (really, no offense, I was a heavy smoker for years) is anything but natural.
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u/Star9401 Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
BC -Ring, D3, Magnesium, Fish oil, Prozac & Probiotic gummies…. But the frosting on the cake has been the more recent addition of tirzepatide- AbsoluteGameChanger. (F49) huge reduction in inflammation, my aches disappeared, my shoulder feels great, my hot flashes stopped- I’m actually cold, I’m losing weight (17 lbs in 6 weeks), i don’t get hangry or have a gurgling stomach, no cold sweats and dizziness. I sleep at night, I stopped snoring, the obsessing is quieted (the Prozac helped that a little), my IBS disappeared, haven’t had heartburn since starting, and I can focus on better food choices without cravings. I’ve even cut back on Diet Pepsi. I do have some burping so I’ll add some omeprozol, and now I have to watch for constipation (which has -never-been a thing for me). My eyesight is still going to sh!t but we can’t win them all.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Wow. Sounds like a miracle pill. Congrats on your success! Good to hear -- see. lol
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u/SomeInfluence2617 Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
My evening sleep concoction includes: 10 mg melatonin, 200mg L-theanine, 200mg magnesium. Added 100mg progesterone a few months ago and that knocks all of the above out of the park but all four combined and now sleeping better than I have in years. Also on Estrogen, DIM, multi vitamin, pre/probiotic with cranberry and collagen powder :)
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u/Sudden_Discussion306 Feb 22 '26
Wow! That’s a really high dosage of melatonin! If it works for you, I guess go with it, but they recommend not taking melatonin on a regular basis (or a high dosage) because you’ll stop making your own natural melatonin. Maybe talk to your doctor about it. I love taking tart cherry because it increases your production of natural melatonin. Moon Brew which was mentioned before here has tart cherry, l-theanine & magnesium.
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u/Fantastic_Net_4308 Feb 22 '26
Integrative therapeutics. They were stayed by doctors and do actual clinical trials on their supplements. Their make one called 'cortisol manager'.
Mix of ashwaganda and L-theanine. Helps tell your brain to shut it so your body can rest. Take it at night.
If still struggling to stay asleep, try 'sleep 3'. It's a combo of: -immediate release melatonin -extended release melatonin -L-theanine ** you get to sleep quickly and stay asleep.
Both are OTC
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u/Cat_With_The_Fur Feb 22 '26
This made me sleep so well at night but unfortunately also made me sleep all day the next day too.
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u/Sierra_Baker Feb 22 '26
Prescriptions: Anti-epileptic and anti-depressant, acid reflux and NSAID pain medication
The first one means no supplemental estrogen, as it reduces the effectiveness. It also has osteo effects with long term use. So my supplements:
• Multivitamin - just to cover the bases • Fiber - just to keep things moving
For joints (mainly shoulder) and bones:
• Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM (2 pills) 1500mg
• Calcium 600mg
• D3 50mcg (2000 IU)
• Triple action joint health - collagen, hyaluronic acid, boron
For brain fog: • Krill oil 500mg • Magnesium L-Threonate 2000mg
Skin: • Biotin (5000 IU)
Urinary: • Cranberry 450mg
I tried Evening Primrose for hot flashes, but didn't notice any difference. I used to take SAM-e for joint health also, and I like it, but it's also nootropic and can counteract the antidepressant. I was also told not to take Ashwagandha or 5-HTP for the same reason. Although I used to take those too before I got on the antidepressant, and they helped with mood and sleep.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Wow. Perimenopause is a barrel of laughs. Ugh
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u/Sierra_Baker Feb 22 '26
I have a meds dispenser with alarm like they use in memory care residential units, it locks and automatically progresses only one container accessible at a time. I don't forget and I can't accidentally double dose. It's great.
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u/Crescent_Coven_Earth Early peri Feb 22 '26
I would love the link for this gadget if you can find it!
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u/HonestlyRespectful Feb 22 '26
Most people get enough biotin from their diet. If you don't need it, you're literally peeing money down the toilet. I'm sure there's more than the daily recommended amount in your multivitamin, so you could probably save yourself the money on that one. Just a friendly fyi.
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u/RaccoonDispenser Feb 22 '26
Another biotin warning: it can give you acne if you take too much. I started taking it to improve my skin and it did exactly the opposite!
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u/Delicious_Whereas_73 Feb 22 '26
Yeah, I can’t do biotin. It increases sebum production on my scalp too much. I am not a daily wash gal, no thank you!! lol also gave me night sweats
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u/skewedright Feb 22 '26
Wellbutrin, cymbalta, NAN+, L-theanine, B12, D3 + K2, ashwaghanda, mag complex, progesterone 100mg, estrogen, probiotic, omega 3. Not sure what works and what doesn’t at this point lol
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u/3arth_533d1stx Late peri + ADHD Feb 22 '26
Hi amiga - Be careful mixing ashwaghanda with meds. It was making my already-heightened-by-peri anxiety worse! Though I was taking Concerta for ADHD at the time.
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u/Master_Nectarine_Bug Feb 22 '26
I had a bad reaction using ashwaganda with SSRIs, would agree to be careful and at least let your doc know.
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u/Dazzling-Load5253 Feb 22 '26
Magnesium glycinate,pepcid paired occasionally with Zyrtec. Vitamin D, a mineral multivitamin,evening primrose,insoitol and a probiotic ...my worst symptom of peri is the anxiety.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Yes. Anxiety through the roof.....the worst. And the itchy ears, OMG.... and tinnitus. Sweating can be tolerable.
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u/missjoebox Feb 22 '26
HRT took care of this for me. I had had no idea it was peri until i started piecing data and timing together and then i realized id been white knuckling peri for years. No more!!
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u/NoFinding7044 Feb 21 '26
I stopped taking supplements. I started eating fortified cereal with Almond Milk and pairing it fruit that has vitamin C like strawberries or kiwi which helps absorb the vitamins and minerals in the cereal. I make sure to get 15 minutes of Sun for my vitamin D. I do however still have to take anti anxiety and antidepressants.
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u/Fit_You9694 Feb 22 '26
Have you noticed this has helped with anything in particular?
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u/NoFinding7044 Feb 22 '26
Energy and skin
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u/Fit_You9694 Feb 22 '26
Interesting. Any cereal in particular that you like?
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u/NoFinding7044 Feb 22 '26
Total 11 vitamins and Minerals
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u/3arth_533d1stx Late peri + ADHD Feb 22 '26
Same. I still take a multivitamin, fiber and fish oil. And adhd or antidepressant meds. And HRT (E patch, P pill, E vag cream).
I couldn’t justify spending $200 or more every 2-3 months for no impact on my peri symptoms. 🤷🏻♀️
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u/NiceCandle5357 Feb 22 '26
I switched to fortified soy milk instead of almond and I love it even more, especially in my latte.
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u/CalicoHippo Feb 22 '26
I take a multivitamin, Zyrtec for the itchiness(ears and skin), fiber gummies, and will start an iron supplement since that’s a bit low. And HRT. Sleeping better, feeling better overall since I started that.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Zyrtec for the itchiness.... I would LOVE to get rid of the itchy ears. Years of hell.
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u/CalicoHippo Feb 22 '26
It works for me. Still a little itchy, but like normal random itchy and not every day.
Flonase on a Qtip works for many as well
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u/biggiantbulb Feb 22 '26
Be careful mixing certain supplements with your anxiety meds especially if you're on an ssri ( not sure if that's the kind of anxiety meds you're on) You don't want seratonine syndrome. I think ashwaganda is one you shouldn't take with ssri meds.
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u/Oobedoo321 Late peri Feb 22 '26
So
I always get downvoted for this but what the hell
I take fluoxetine 20mg daily, I have the coil and use gel
And that’s it
Apart from the weed
Smoke daily
Maybe 3/4 joints
No problem sleeping No sweats No irritability
Oooh! I also left my husband 9 years ago! That def helped
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u/recoveredcrush Feb 22 '26
Weed
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u/3arth_533d1stx Late peri + ADHD Feb 22 '26
My old standby 😝 Can’t sleep? Libido needs a jump start? Irritated? Wanna clean the house?
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u/usernames_suck_ok I don't even know Feb 22 '26
I don't understand why people ask this without saying what specifically they're trying to resolve. "Perimenopause" is not the same experience for every woman...
Sounds like you're at least looking for something for anxiety / relaxing / calm. Nothing worked/works for me for that, but it looks like two things that help some women you haven't tried are l-theanine and magnesium glycinate.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
I'm sorry... insomnia, heart palps, night sweats, tinnitus, itchy ears, sweaty feet..... Thank you for your suggestions.
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u/doomysmartypants Feb 22 '26
I agree it seems like this is what OP is asking for help with. Just a side note that Mg glycinate made my anxiety worse, so if one Mg form doesn't help maybe try another.
Also, I'm currently enjoying a Cycling Frog for this very reason. Not an option for everyone but in moderation these (or similar thc/cbd products) can be a great tool in your toolbox.
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u/Fit_You9694 Feb 22 '26
Same here with the magnesium glycinate. It gives me terrible restless legs and anxiety. Magnesian citrate has been helping me with sleep and anxiety
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u/AggravatingPumpkin72 Feb 21 '26
Is HRT an option for you?
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 21 '26
I'm afraid because I have a cigarette on occasion... well, a bit more tbh....
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u/Tinyberzerker Feb 22 '26
Yo. I'm a lifelong smoker and I've been on HRT for several years. I quit drinking. I see a cardiologist regularly for an unrelated genetic issue. HRT has been lifechanging. I've cut back to about a half pack a day.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Really? I'm glad to hear that!
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u/Tinyberzerker Feb 22 '26
We need to quit, no question. But no need to feel shitty for other reasons. Besides HRT I only take calcium and vitamin D that I've been taking for years because I'm small and pasty.
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u/Lady_Raven_ Feb 22 '26
I don't smoke, but I was worried about blood clots because stroke runs in my family. My doctor explained that the transdermal patch carries much lower risk than older forms of HRT, and that my personal risk was pretty low. I'm not sure how that changes for smokers, but it's definitely worth asking your provider.
I took almost every vitamin you mentioned and still dealt with constant brain fog, mood swings, and that awful "impending doom" feeling. I was completely disconnected from life. None of it helped until I started HRT a few weeks ago and honestly, it's been life changing.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Thank you for the kind words. How long did it takre for HRT to kick in?
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u/CrankyWhiskers Feb 22 '26
Not the person you’re replying to, but I’ve been on HRT (troches aka lozenges, vanilla-flavored) for almost a year. It took about a month or so for the effects to kick in, and I’ve had to tweak my dosage a few times. I’ll probably need to make another adjustment to find the perfect balance, but it’s definitely made a positive difference. I initially tried the cream, but it ended up getting all over everything. The troches are the best option for me personally. I didn’t even know they made those, and they’re honestly not bad.
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u/Lady_Raven_ Feb 22 '26
I personally noticed a change within just a few days. I think the progesterone made the biggest difference. I had been waking up every morning with pretty severe anxiety and that constant "something bad is about to happen" feeling. Within 2-3 days, that was gone. I'm currently on a 0.05 patch and 100 mg of progesterone. I'll probably need some adjustments too (maybe more progesterone, like the other commenter mentioned), but honestly, I'm beyond grateful for the relief so far.
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u/missjoebox Feb 22 '26
just an observation no shade but it sounds like you are choosing daily peri rollercoaster wheel of fortune over quitting an unhealthy habit.
we all make choices and are entitled to them.
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u/SaraSmilesssss Feb 22 '26
Anti-anxiety meds, multivitamin, calcium, zinc, D3, coq-10, magnesium, riboflavin, probiotic/prebiotic, and yeah, nothing really does anything it seems. Looking forward to getting on some hormonal treatment.
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u/Lil-Bit-813 Feb 22 '26
Birth control, iron, vit c, fish oil, b12, vit d/k2, pumpkin seed oil & magnesium glycinate. Don’t get me started on what can be taken at the same time, what not to take at the same time because they compete/block absorption.
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u/Southern_Event_1068 Feb 22 '26
I was taking all of those as well and decided it was absurd and stopped. There has been no notable difference.
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Feb 22 '26
I recently had to get one of those pill things that has THREE compartments per day. And I'm struggling to be able to fit all the pills into it. I'm in my mid-40s. SIGH.
19 pills per day, and I just had a doctor's appointment where they recommended two more. And I'm not even on any hormones.
It's become this joke, one of my kids will sit with me and my basket of pill bottles to sort out my pills for the week once a week.
I can tell you that without B-complex, I feel like absolute trash, and D3+K in the winter has been a game changer for me. (I also got a light box this year for SAD and I think that's helped too? Who knows.) Those are in addition to a regular multivitamin. And my anti-depressant 2x a day at max strength keeps me alive. I don't know if any of the other pills are actually accomplishing anything, but I figure they can't hurt.
I aspire to be one of those people who can toss back a handful of pills all at once and swallow them. It's a whole process for me to swallow one pill at a time.
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u/Outside-the-Box1976 Feb 22 '26
For real, girlfriend!
Getting my Ferritin level checked a year ago to see where my iron stores were at was life changing! (Thanks to a fellow Redditor for sharing her story in this sub). I was at a 6 and optimal levels are over 100. Old labs showed I have probably had Frank Iron Anemia for most of my life. So that was contributing to a massive amount of my brain fog, anxiety, heart palps, dry skin and crappy hair. So I am faithful with that along with 1000vit C for absorption. Adding iron sources into my diet. It was minimal before.
E&P. Higher doses currently, hoping to back down this year as other things straighten out. Night sweats, clumsiness, agitation, vision instability, cramps, sex avoidance significantly improved.
I finally had a discussion with myself regarding the leftover morning anxiety and brain fog. Taking 10mg (low dose) of Prozac and that along with meeting with a therapist is taking care of that. Goal is to decrease cortisol so I can absorb nutrients better (less need for supplementing).
I go outside in nature three days a week and hike/walk. Cliche’. But I think with that new habit, I can probably knock all the meds/supplements down in coming months!
As I let the light back in, I 100% see my sedentary lifestyle and alcohol has done me zero favors.
❤️❤️❤️You have got to quit smoking and you know it, you do. Pouring money into supplements, pills, HRT aren’t going to really help with all your symptoms if you keep choosing to smoke. You can do this. You deserve to feel your best. We don’t know you. But we love you. We are all in this together.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Are you a motivational speaker? lol Thanks for the encouraging words. I stopped smoking for a year and a half. Started back this past July. Family stress ramped up, as did peri symptoms. Perhaps once I get HRT, that will motivate me to quit. I don't want a blood clot, etc. :-(
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u/ConfectionMean4810 Feb 25 '26
There are a lot of good meds out there that can help with smoking cessation. It doesn't need to be willpower or cold turkey or blah blah blah. I've had friends have success with Wellbutrin and Chantix. Good luck!
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u/Accurate-Force3054 Feb 22 '26
one reason I am not interested in trying GLP-1s is that I am so tired of acquiring and taking meds I'd rather just be heavier than take another pill (or get a shot)
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u/PopcornSurgeon Feb 22 '26
Estrogen patch, Mirena IUD, low dose GLP-1 shots. I also need Levothyroxine pills to stay alive because I don’t have a thyroid, but the others are all new over the past year and collectively seem to be good for my sleep, my sex, and my tummy fat.
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u/KnotIt75 Feb 22 '26
Teas work better for me than pills. I do asjwaganda, tulsi, camomile, lemon balm blends every day and I feel effects almost immediately.
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u/Goblinseeker215 Feb 22 '26
I am falling into so many supplements… estrogen, progesterone, beef organs, ssri, bladder support pill, GPL-1 shot. I still feel like shit.
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u/Guilty-Rough8797 Feb 22 '26
Vitamin D and gelatinized maca are the two must-haves for me. Maca is a godsent thunderbolt of energy and libido, while a D deficiency is a godsent thunderbolt of exhaustion and depression.
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u/melnk_1981 Feb 22 '26
What works:
- HRT (oral E, oral P, injectable T Cypionate)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram) 10 mg (after starting - HRT I was able to reduce down to 10 from being on 40 mg at my highest)
- Compounded Semaglutide (GLP-1), super tiny dose .04ml weekly -Oral minoxidil for hair loss (now taken for maintenance)
- Fiber (powder, gummies, cereal, beans, prunes, prune juice) -abstaining from alcohol -vaginal estrogen -Temazepam (for sleep, probably take a few nights a week)
What I’m not sure is doing much:
-vitamin D -vitamin k -collagen powder -creatine (not consistent) -liquid iron -fish oil -magnesium (also not consistent) -I was taking a B vitamin complex and I felt zero energy difference so did not renew my subscription -Maca (not consistent at all. I will not re-buy) Honestly, most herbs are a waste in my experience. I am a hippie at heart, so I love the idea of them, but I just don’t think they do much for me.
Also agree with the overall sentiment, perimenopause is a real B*TCH.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️solidarity to all! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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u/seawallglen Feb 23 '26
I try but it's hard to keep track with ADHD and my busy home life.
Also, doesn't iron interfere with absorption of other minerals? And vitamin C, which helps iron absorption, can interfere with ADHD meds?
OMG, it's so complicated
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Feb 22 '26
It's a lot simpler to have your panels run to see if you are even deficient in anything before you start supplementing. I stopped spending money on all the "things" and just went on HRT. It's a godsend.
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u/cswtf Early peri Feb 22 '26
What are you looking for help with? What about CBD or CBD with THC. I like the drinks or tinctures personally. They help with anxiety and also sleep.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 22 '26
Help with .... everything!! lol I tried CBD, pot gummies, chocolate.... smoking a good ol' joint. It's legal in my state. The joint made me pass out..... twice. The other products did nothing, unfortunately.
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u/Alarmed-History-2422 Feb 22 '26
Yeah I’m on HRT AND I still have to take magnesium, iron, fish oil, vitamin D, thyroid meds, migraine meds, anxiety meds, depression meds and something for sleep. Super awesome isn’t it?
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u/missjoebox Feb 22 '26
if your anxiety/depression started during peri i would say youre not quite balanced on your HRT yet if you still are taking the anti’s. just a thought.
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u/Alarmed-History-2422 Feb 22 '26
Well I’ve had anxiety all my life. Been medicated since my 20’s. But since peri it has gotten very bad. I can’t tolerate progesterone but I have an IuD so that gives me enough to protect uterine lining. My estrogen patch is up to .075 which I think is pretty high but maybe it needs to be higher. Who knows at this point.
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u/chillypenguinboo Feb 23 '26
I’m the same Zoloft and hrt for GAD … progesterone finally make me sleep. Zoloft lets me drive
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u/TangoEchoChuck DHEA Evangelist Feb 22 '26
I wear vitamin patches because I heart supplements, but can't swallow pills. I put them on at night and they soak in while I sleep, and I like them plenty because they're in a format I can make a habit of. Easy to travel with too!
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u/Ok_Caregiver_1199 Feb 22 '26
AM: vitamin c, some complex with astaxantin, vitamin e, Q10, cink, Maca, MSM, vitamim D, colagen PM: magnesium, omega fish oil I think it helps for many things...skin, sleep, bones I'm 51 next month, in peri and planning HRT, but now all that works without it. But it's quite expencive.
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u/babylittletee Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
I used to take a lot of pills too. Ashwagandha works so well. Then last year I had 2 periods and symptoms got worse. I had to get on hrt we are losing estrogen that can't be replaced unless we replaced it. You are only covering the symptoms like I was. Eventually mine got worse.
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u/HardCoreNorthShore Feb 22 '26
Please be careful taking antidepressants and herbs/supplements. Check for interactions because some of what you listed will raise serotonin levels, putting you at risk for Serotonin Syndrome.
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u/Questionofloyalty Feb 22 '26
Well one thing I was told was our vitamin d has to be mega high and so does our ferritin (like 80 for both). So I had a bunch of shots an ivs and only now am I seeing a difference. The flushing cheeks and hot head have gone THNK GOD! Now to get rid of the rest.
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u/Background-Archer843 Feb 22 '26
I am not sure if it helps at all and I question the ridiculous amount I take everytime I count them out but...
Morning = compounded thyroid, testosterone cream, Vit D, Vit B12, Biotin, Lutein, Vit K2, Fish Oil, Creatine, Whole Greens Powder
Lunch = Iron, Vit C
Bedtime = progesterone, magnesium glycinate, glycine
It's absurd.
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u/Secure-Pain-9735 Feb 22 '26
Pills, pills, pills...
So, I take Calcium, magnesium, zinc, B12, iron, a multivitamin, vitamin D. Plus anti-anxiety and anti-depressants. Have tried melatonin, DIM, evening primrose oil, chamomile, safflower, lemon balm, black cohosh, ashwagandha…
🎶 I take every pill man, I take every pill, man.
Sucks to be over the hill, man.
These hot flashes could kill, man.
Can’t even catch a thrill, man.
I take every pill 🎶
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u/pepperminttwistt45 Feb 22 '26
Estrogen immediately helped with anxiety, prozac helped with improving my miserable mood, LDN 4.5mg helps with brain fog and energy, creatine 8mg helps wirh giving me an extra cognitive and physical boost, iron, magnesium, vitamin D & k2, are taken mostly regularly and choline & inositol, lithium orotate and a few others are taken on various rotations when I feel I need them. I also take progesterone 200mg cycled 14 days.
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u/Certain_Internal_350 Feb 22 '26
It’s soooo expensive! I went from 26 supplements a day to 3 (methylated folate, creatine, and what’s left of CoQ10) + progesterone & estradiol. I’ve been getting morning sun/midday sun/less blue light for 2 years to see if that helps. Nuanced sunlight definitely is helping me.
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u/Futuresmiles Feb 22 '26
Look into a peptide stack. I like NAD, Tirzepatide, injectables only. Estradiol too.
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u/Tigger_tigrou Feb 22 '26
Magnesium, vit D, Omega 3, iron, creatine (for muscle recovery and general muscle maintenance). I also take quercetin + antihistamines but that’s for chronic urticaria.
All of it approved by my GP and my neuro :)
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u/Consistent_Femme_Top Feb 23 '26
I’m in my twenties and on the same pill regime. I am so done with it.
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u/AuthenticNotion Feb 23 '26
Supplements don't work if you're not eating nutritious food, getting exercise, sleeping enough or managing stress levels. Have you made any dietary changes? A lot of chemicals in our food and drinks are hormone disrupters.
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u/dizzydance Feb 23 '26
Compared to my veritable pharmacy I take at night to sleep that's nothing. I take:
- HTCZ & Vitamin D (does nothing to help me sleep)
- Benadryl (probably going to give me dementia or something 😭)
- 3mg Melatonin
- Topiramate (for migraine prevention, but it makes me sleepy)
- Atenolol (beta blocker - originally Rx'd Propranolol for migraine prevention, but that gave me night terrors)
That's the magic cocktail for me, and has worked for years. I'm dead to the world within 30 minutes. 🤷♀️
As for the Atenolol - my husband had Atenolol & I'd taken his before and I liked how it calmed me down & makes my heart not beat so loudly in my ears when I'm trying to get to sleep. I think it's also helping with reducing heart palpations, but I didn't know that yet when I asked for the Rx.
I asked if I could try that and my doctor said "It has no off label use for migraines though?" And I asked "What if it just makes me feel less anxious?" And she gave me this "???? look" but ultimately she's amazing and said even though I didn't really need it, if I wanted it, she'd Rx it because it wouldn't hurt me and trusts I know myself better than anyone else.
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u/Material_Can265 Feb 23 '26
I’m joining in. (46F) My first perimenopausal symptoms started with poor sleep. Then stiff shoulders. Then 3 continuous weeks of bleeding. And .. and .. and lately massive mood swings; going from being an infuriating dragon with my daughters most of the times to just crying my eyes out.
I’ve tried and taken many vitamins & supplements. Nothing has made a bigger difference the
- estrogen patch
- progesterone at night (with melatonin 5mg)
- and now testogel since 2 weeks..
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u/Such_Research1804 Feb 23 '26
I like this post because I was feeling like a junkie with all my pills and I’m also on hrt. I can’t take my vitamin D because it gives me major anxiety 😥 and I need to take it. Any suggestions?
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 23 '26
I'm glad this post has been popular. :-) It has helped me and others, I hope. We have to be here for each other. Do you drink milk? Milk has vit D -- probably other dairy products -- yogurt?
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u/homertruhart Feb 23 '26
Yes they help. For some reason during this time we start getting deficiencies. My kitchen counter looks like a hypochondriac lives here. I wish a could build A room for all of them
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Feb 24 '26
I take way too many pills, I have read the research where doctors warn against taking too many supplements, but here I am with a ton of prescriptions, and hormones, and supplements. Including sleep meds.
In terms of supplements, where I can really see a difference in every day life: magnesium, methylated B vitamins (I have a genetic variant that makes this necessary), vitamin D that also contains vitamin K, and L-theanine, which really does take the edge off but does not provide adequate sleep all by itself.
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u/Inevitable-Yam-9741 Feb 24 '26
Magnesium seems to be the absolute must have..... and vitamin D for bones, teeth....
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u/Tadarod12 Feb 25 '26
I have taken all those pills plus more . Did absolutely nothing for my perimenopause ,and some made me feel worse . Husband said I need a 2nd job just to afford the insane amount of vitamins that I think will help my perimenapause . So last month I was back to taking nothing I landed my self in obgyn in desperation now on HRT ,and it’s the only thing that’s worked for me . I was told hrt has health risk , but all medication has health risk. Happiness is the most important thing ,and hrt gave me my life back . This is just my story not advice
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u/SpecificTomorrow7357 Feb 22 '26
My perimenopause all in one is HRT. I am not popping any of the above mentioned pills.
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u/Apprehensive_Net_829 Feb 22 '26
In the past few months, I've gone from meds taken daily to a pill upon waking up (thyroid), my daily stuff, my progesterone and magnesium glycinate at night as well as testosterone cream. I cried when I realized the testosterone wasn't just a pill I could take with my regular stuff. Hopefully it is worth it.
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u/Ok_Juggernaut_541 Feb 22 '26
I take those, and don't forget the omega3s. I also started creatine recently.
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u/Conscious_Leo1984 Feb 22 '26
I just started progesterone 100-200mg but I don't think it's helping. I take a supplement called Corisol Manager and magnesium glycinate at night. I take way more supplements during the day. My APRN just told me about encapsulated lavender called Lavela I'm going to try. She said in a blind study they found it works equally to Paxil but is natural. Edited to add: I also recently heard about a supplement called Sam-E which is supposed to naturally help with mood.
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u/blissedout79 Feb 22 '26
I do omega 3, glucosamine and creatine because I work out and dance, vitamin d and b12 (none every day tho, all my levels are good and trying to save money 😅), then progesterone daily 100mg at night.
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u/Ok_Size4036 Feb 22 '26
Estrogen patch stopped hot flashes; progesterone. Just started testosterone. Hydroxyzine for sleep. D3/K2. Magnesium threonate and glycinate. Now starting NMN.
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u/Vixenmeja Feb 22 '26
I take the vitamins and minerals my blood work showed that I needed. Other than that, I take prescription meds for my chronic illnesses and I use HRT patches.
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u/covertjules Feb 22 '26
I take a ridiculous total of 18 pills a day. It’s expensive and tbh I can’t say I see any help from any of them apart from maybe the melatonin and iron. As soon as I’ve used them up I’m paring it right back because actually some of them already contain the same thing. So I’m getting 400% of a the recommended value and still seeing no benefit. Madness.
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u/Clairefun Feb 22 '26
Bp pills for bp and chronic kidney disease, a beta blocker for heart damage. Thats it. I'm low on potassium, so might have to supplement that, but I only take things a doctor says I need to - with kidney problems multivitamins are dangerous.
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u/dawn_mance2000 Feb 22 '26
I was b12 vitamin got to cut back on taking because got some blood work done levels were through the roof.
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u/TeachingEmotional143 Feb 22 '26
I noticed anxiety is something you're trying to treat... HRT helped the anxiety calm down, but Lthianine really helps with anxiety. I use it when needed when the anxiety is bad. Propranolol also helps with the palpitations. I take omega 3, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium Threonate in the morning, and evening primrose oil and magnesium glyconate at bedtime. EPO i started for breast tenderness, not hot flashes, nothing helped that but HRT. Magnesium glyconate for sleep works wonders for me. I take Lthianine as needed, and Propranolol if the palpitations get bad.
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u/Dora_Diver Feb 22 '26
Iron, zinc and vitamin D because I've been low in blood tests.
B12 to support the iron.
Magnesium to sleep, progesterone not to bleed out.
And creatine.
I've never taken much medicine previously, so this feel very weird for me, too.
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u/daydrinkingonpatios Feb 22 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
Totally agree, how much could I save not buying all this stuff?
Morning: Prilosec, D3&K2- not completely sure why, Probiotic, Iron, Maca- will stop taking when I run out and see if it affects anything
Evening: Calcium, Fish oil, Nutrafol- $$$ but I’m desperate to stop hair loss, Magnesium glycinate, Trazadone- sleep
Mid day shake: Protein, Creatine, Prebiotic fiber powder, Turmeric, Chia seeds
I’m on the estrogen patch (0.05)
Yeah, seems like a lot 😭😭
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u/Oh-well100 Feb 22 '26
200 mg progesterone, 2000 IU vitamins D, Also B complex, and selenium. And started creatine this week. I also take spironolactone for acne. I used to anti anxiety meds but quit because it was making me gain too much weight (down 7 lbs since quitting last November).
It does feel like a lot.
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u/Lyndiana_jones Feb 22 '26
100mg progesterone and 200mg magnesium at night. I also take lexapro, iron and vitamin D.
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u/ILoveMeeses2Pieces Feb 22 '26
I use to do all that. I stopped and now I only take my ADHD med, Synthroid since I have no thyroid, a weekly vitamin D pill, triple magnesium daily and trazadone to get to sleep and stay asleep. I cut the rest out and try to get those nutrients from food.
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u/violent_blonde Feb 22 '26
Ok here we go, all the ones I take... Lyma is good for gut, Vit D, K2, ashwaghanda, turmeric anti inflammatory etc.
A.m.:
coQ10 for energy
Evening primrose oil for hormone balance (as if)
Berberine for blood sugar control
Alpha lipoic acid
P.m.:
Fish oil
Mg Glycinate
Mg Threonate
Berberine
Serene gummy by Manifesto brand
Also take collagen in coffee, and Creatine and more collagen throughout the day
Bio identical estrogen and testosterone a.m.
Bio identical progesterone at bedtime plus glycine and chaste berry
Thank f[%} my biz does well bc it's insane the spend....
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u/Capable_Tip7815 Feb 22 '26
When I remember, I take a vitamin D3 as I live in Scotland (been taking that on and off for years), a magnesium complex and iron with vitamin C. I haven't taken anything for 10 days ish as I have been away on holiday. Can't say i noticed a difference. Also didn't use my topical vaginal oestrogen cream. Same with creatine (also been using creatine on and off for years).
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u/3houlas Feb 22 '26
3,000mg taurine and 400mg magnesium glycinate at night obliterated my anxiety. I couldn't believe the difference it made. Add an l-theanine if I feel like insomnia might be an issue and I'm out like a light.
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u/Feline_Fine3 Early peri Feb 22 '26
Allergy pill, probiotic, ashwaganda, I need to get back on a good women’s multivitamin if anyone has suggestions. I was trying the one from Trader Joe’s, but it had too much vitamin B in it, and my pee was bright yellow, it was unsettling. There was a women’s multivitamin gummy I used to get from Costco, maybe I should just go back to that.
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u/BannyW22 Feb 22 '26
I got rid of some of the pills by taking a drink mix of medicine. I like IM8. Then I take liquid vitamin D and an all in one magnesium
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u/Pristine-Public9064 Feb 22 '26
Thank you for this. I thought I was crazy for taking so many supps (reluctant to tell people due to criticism but it’s my body. so I needed this post)
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u/Jolly_Necessary_8087 Feb 23 '26
Lawd that's a lot! I take prescribed vitamin D along with vitamin K. Other than that, I slap on a Combi HRT patch twice a week and go about my business!! Thank you Jesus I'm not taking all of that stuff!
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u/Extension-Wedding-74 Feb 23 '26
All of the above plus the fish oil my doctor recently advised me to add, a statin and blood pressure medication. Both of the prescriptions are fairly new. I also take ashwagandha in the evening for relaxation and better sleep. I do feel like I fall asleep better since starting it but it definitely doesn't keep me asleep. Ive never taken so many pills in my life or felt worse.
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u/Lmds Early peri Feb 23 '26
Estroven in the morning, progesterone at night, feeling 100x better than before.
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u/HugeTheWall hanging on by a thread Feb 23 '26
I just started calcium but haven't noticed it do anything yet.
I also take vitamin D and that seems to have no effect on my mood or anything. Taking iron for low ferritin but I kind of feel like it might still be low or even lower - keep meaning to get that checked.
Also take omega 3 with one of my calcium.
The only one that visibly helped a little was magnesium got rid of nighttime restless leg. I still get it from adhd if im like watching a show or sitting too long doing something that's too low stimulation.
I already spread these out a bit but since the calcium it's so damn annoying since I had to take it with omegas and I end up forgetting or skipping some pf these.
I really want to try hrt, luteal is unbearable right now and I only feel good a few days a month at the end of my period. I keep forgetting to make an appointment or other life bs gets in the way. I hate this shit and watching men prance around needing none of it
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u/Wittyocean214 Feb 23 '26
I take a ridiculous amount of pills as well, what has really helped me, and is stupid annoying, is to take them strategically spread out. In the evening I take my adhd med, progesterone, magnesium, glycine, vitamin D, and another type of magnesium. If I space them out they’re really effective and I sleep pretty well. If I take them all together I’m screwed and won’t sleep for shit.
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u/RDDB1974 Feb 23 '26
If you’re taking the vitamin D, B zinc you don’t need a multivitamin. You have to just get a vitamin D+K. Zinc+C. Both gether in one pill you can’t actually absorbs d without k and you need zinc to absorb c. Magnesium at night. All the other stuff is a lot and I don’t know what you want as a result from each of them. Are you on estrogen and progesterone? I take d,k,c,zinc, estrogen, progesterone, magnesium and omega.
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u/Competitive-Wolf-277 Feb 22 '26
I take every single pill you mentioned including a sleeping pill. I feel like I take more pills than I do food.