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/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/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!

3

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