We all know that there are countless vitamins , supplements and whole foods that are really good for your menopause symptoms and generally making mid life a bit more doable .. but no one actually mentions how much it is all going to cost.  

I am unable to take HRT as I have a serious medical condition and suffered a range of debilitating symptoms in menopause especially Insomnia which led to anxiety and panic attacks .  I introduced a multi vitamin supplement like Flourish or Menopace into my daily wellbeing regime. I also added Biotin and Magnesium Citrate. The Magnesium really helped my sleep pattern that had been torn to shreds by the depleting hormones and all in all had a knock on affect on my mental and physical health . We all know that our bones are more prone to osteoporosis as the estrogen levels deplete , this was also addressed with added supplements to include glucosamine and chrondrotin. Adding smoothies to my diet I was able to include the relevant products to help my menopause with my hair, nails and brain function , the basis was a good quality Pea protein powder , Flaxseed, Cacoa powder which has magnesium and Zinc , also added to any type of milk , Soya , Almond or Oat ( I prefer oat ) and even though I have felt the benefits I know the financial costs have been quite high . I feel that women who can afford to add these supplements may benefit as much as I did. I personally feel that they have helped with my joint pain , headaches and thinning hair/nails. The main problem is expense and many on a low income may find it hard to use this supplements on a regular basis and would turn to prescibed painkillers and invasive scans for a diagnosis.

I would like to see some of the prices of these products made affordable to the working women who are already struggling with mortgages and families .

I would advise that diet is also looked into and planning the weekly spend by looking at food that will also help you in the Menopause.

Buckwheat that can be added to stews can help with the Serotonin levels linked to memory and depression, also rich in B Vitamins which can impact on moods. Chia seeds and Flaxseed are a great natural source of lignans , essential for replacing natural oestrogen . Adding flaxseed to your foods is a fantastic ingredient in menopause being a natural phytoestrogen . Maca powder is great for reducing hot flushes and can be added to smoothies.

Tuna and Salmon are great for Omega 3 helps to prevent hot flushes and reduces the risk of Osteoporosis . Quorn can be an alternative to meat , try to have meat and fish just once a week and plant based ingredients the rest of the time.

Plenty of Greens , broccoli , Kale , Cabbage and Sweet Potatoe , Carrots , beans , butternut squash . I have recently cut out meat and have felt so much better and noticed my gut isnt as bloated and marked improvement in constipation. Try and plan 5 small meals spread throughout the day with some of these ingredients . It can not only help your symptoms but can can keep the extra pounds from creeping back on. It really is about planning the weeks meals and using the ingredients wisely especially to bring your symptoms under control .