Best supplement for menopause: Medical experts agree on their favourite go-to treatment

Sarah Ferguson praises Sophie Wessex for speaking on menopause

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“Women may overlook aching or painful joints as a natural sign of getting older,” said Dr Anne Henderson – a consultant gynaecologist and accredited menopause expert. “But it is important to understand the impact hormonal changes can have when approaching the menopause. “Oestrogen has a direct impact on the musculoskeletal system, particularly joints,” Dr Henderson explained. “It can decrease collagen which is found in muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint itself, as well as helping the ‘synovial buffering’ fluid in joints such as the hip and shoulder.

“A reduction in oestrogen during the menopause helps to explain why women of this age are much more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal conditions.”

Pain can develop in any joint, but the most commonly affected joints include the:

• Hands
• Shoulders
• Knees
• Hips.

One solution to help relieve painful joints, put forward by Dr Henderson, is to try a “herbal medicine and supplement”.

“Rosehip extracts have been studied in multiple scientific trials, mostly for their cartilage protecting properties,” Dr Henderson pointed out.

“The active compounds found in rosehip, in particular the galactolipids known as GOPO, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.”

As such, rosehip supplementation “can relieve pain” – and some studies show it can be “as effective as taking paracetamol”.

Consultant rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes agreed that rosehip extract could be beneficial for menopausal joint pain.

“The most consistent and robust research has been undertaken on extracts from a specific species of rosehip called Rosa canina,” he began.

This extract is said to “contain a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called GOPO”.

Dr Hughes continued: “GOPO has been shown to help protect and repair joints and should certainly be considered at the early onset of even mild joint pain.

“Not only do people report great benefit from these supplements but good quality clinical research also shows GOPO is an effective choice.”

Aside from supplementation, both experts recommend two key tactics to easing joint pain and stiffness: exercise and hydration.

“Dehydration can exacerbate menopausal symptoms including joint pain and a build-up of uric acid which can contribute to inflammation,” said Dr Hughes.

“Drinking plenty of water also helps to retain joint flexibility,” added Dr Henderson.

As for exercise, Dr Henderson highlighted how staying active strengthens the muscles and helps a person to get into shape, reducing the impact on weight-bearing joints.

“Physical activity also helps synovial fluid circulate in the joint and increases blood flow,” Dr Hughes said.

An increase in blood flow is said to increase oxygen and nutrient flow to the joints.

Dr Hughes recommends yoga and swimming for menopausal women, as this helps to relieve the pressure on joints while keeping them mobile.

Other tips from Dr Hughes includes eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as:

• Nuts
• Leafy greens
• Olive oil.

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