Does NMN Help with Menopause?

Menopause is a big word that implies a big change in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, for many people this transition can bring a lot of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep issues. Although menopause ’s a natural part of ageing, these symptoms don’t have to be, so we’re going to explore different solutions to these issues, such as supplementation and home remedies. 

What is Menopause?

Before we get into NMN, let’s quickly recap menopause. Menopause typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of the individual’s reproductive years, and it can only be confirmed if someone has gone 12 months without a period. This phase is divided into three stages:.

1. Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, where hormonal changes start to happen.
2. Menopause: The point when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months.
3. Postmenopause: The years following menopause, where symptoms might ease up but some changes continue.

Symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another, but the important thing to remember is that you don’t have to live through the discomfort. 

Common Symptoms of Menopause

1. Hot Flashes: Episodes of hot flashes can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can occur multiple times a day. The intensity of hot flashes varies, but they can be obviously quite uncomfortable.
2. Night Sweats: Night sweats are basically hot flashes that happen during your sleep, ruining your night and your rest. What’s worse, people going through night sweats often wake up feeling overheated and may have to change clothes or bedding.
3. Mood Swings: Emotional instability is a common symptom of menopause, with many people experiencing mood swings, irritability, and episodes of depression or anxiety. These mood changes can be sudden and intense, affecting daily activities and relationships. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause are largely responsible for these emotional changes.
4. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy are also common during menopause. Fatigue during menopause can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes, night sweats, and sleep issues.
5. Weight Gain: Changes in metabolism during menopause can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Hormonal shifts, decreased muscle mass, and a slower metabolic rate all contribute to this weight gain. 
6. Bone Density Loss: Decreased oestrogen levels during menopause increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened bones and a higher risk of fractures. 

How Could NMN Help During Menopause?

Now, let’s talk about NMN. The decreased level of NAD+ during ageing has been linked to various age-related conditions, including the symptoms associated with menopause, so scientists are exploring ways to boost NAD+, for example through NMN supplementation.

Here’s where it gets interesting: NMN acts as a NAD+ booster, bringing a number of health benefits:

1. Energy Boost: One of the primary roles of NAD+ is to help our cells produce energy. During menopause, some people experience fatigue and a general decrease in energy, but NMN supplementation increases NAD+ levels, which can, in turn, boost energy levels and reduce feelings of tiredness.
2. Mood Regulation: As we mentioned earlier, hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings and feelings of irritability or depression. Some studies suggest that NAD+ levels can influence mood and cognitive functions, so boosting NAD+ with NMN can mean stabilising your mood and improving your overall emotional well-being.
3. Better Sleep: Insomnia and poor sleep quality are common issues during menopause, and NAD+ is involved in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. Improving NAD+ levels with NMN can contribute to better sleep patterns and reduce the frequency of night sweats and other disruptions.
4. Metabolic Health: Metabolism can slow down during menopause, leading to weight gain and other metabolic issues, but NMN has been shown to support metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing fat accumulation, which can help with weight management and overall metabolic function.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

Here are some ideas for proactive changes you can make to eliminate or ease menopause symptoms:

1. Diet: This is a simple one, but eating a balanced diet can really make a difference. Try to consume foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D, like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, which are particularly good for bone health, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to manage the other symptoms of menopause. 
2. Exercise: Exercise can help improve mood by boosting endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and it also helps to boost energy levels and promotes better sleep by regulating the body's circadian rhythms. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and strength training, are particularly important for maintaining bone density. 
3. Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises to improve your overall well-being during this time. They all promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. 
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be effective in managing many menopause symptoms by replacing the oestrogen that the body no longer produces, reducing the presence of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. However, HRT might not be suitable for everyone, so consult your healthcare provider first.
5. Supplements: If HRT doesn’t do it for you, there’s a number of natural supplements and nootropics you can try. Some people find relief from menopause symptoms through herbal remedies like black cohosh, red clover, and flaxseed. And of course, as we’ve explored, NMN can be one of your biggest allies during this time. We now offer NMN both in capsules and powder, so try out this NAD+ booster if you’re struggling with any of the symptoms we described!
6. Support and Education: Joining support groups or talking to a counsellor can give you emotional support and practical tips for dealing with menopause. Support groups let you connect with others going through the same thing, which can be really comforting and empowering, while counselling can offer personalised advice to handle emotional changes and stress. Plus, learning about menopause and what to expect can also help you make better decisions about your health and reduce anxiety, and knowing what's coming can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

It's important to be flexible and patient with yourself during this time. Finding what works best might take some trial and error, and what helps might change over time as your body continues to adjust. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the possibility to explore different options. Menopause is a natural part of life and, with the right approach, you can enjoy this moment like any other!