Using Red Clover, Sage and Ashwagandha for the menopause, and it's safety with hypothyroidism?

Hiya. I am currently in the menopause with early onset osteoporosis, and have autoimmune related hypothyroidism. I am looking into various ways to manage this, conventional HRT being the least desirable. I much prefer natural ways to manage my health wherever possible, and I've found various herbal supplements which claim to be a natural alternative to HRT: Red Clover, Ashwagandha and Sage. If there is anyone who uses these successfully or otherwise, or has any knowledge about these, their thoughts and advice will be gratefully received 😊

To add, I am currently on yearly infusions for the the osteoporosis, take the right vitamins for it, and introducing Lactoferrin and Collegan in the mix 😀

Many thanks!

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

I think these things are used to mask the effects of low sex hormones rather than aim to replace them, much like replacing thyroid hormones only a hormone will do, you can get body identical HRT these days which are derived from yams and will be far more effective at raising hormone levels and protecting heart and bone health etc

Ashwagandha can be a little unpredictable as to how it will effect you but I've no experience as it is a nightshade which I can't tolerate

For bone health a few of us use bonebalance.co.uk/

[Hidden in reply to TiggerMe]

Thanks! I take it that the bone balance is basically Collegan. I tried it in the form of bone broth, but it us still sitting I my fridge due to the disgusting taste and texture 😄. I do have Collegan type I & II as capsules but need to take them regularly. I was a little reticent to consider the Ashwagandha due to the caution rhetoric all over the Internet if you have thyroid disorders. I know sage is supposed to help with hot flushes.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Bone balance is more active than collagen as it actually stimulates bone growth and has zero taste!! 😅

[Hidden in reply to TiggerMe]

Oh, sounds good! How does that differ as I read it was Collegan? 🤔😄

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

It's the peptides that stimulate the osteoblasts... 😵

bonebalance.co.uk/how-boneb...

[radd in reply to TiggerMe]

Hidden

Bone Balance is backed up with scientific research and categorised as a Food For Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) for the dietary treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

My osteopenia reversed on this treatment together with thyroid hormones, Vit D & weight bearing exercise.

[Hidden in reply to radd]

That's encouraging. If I can stop the infusions if this actually works, that would be great. What about calcium supplements? That's what my Rheumatologist prescribed me along with Vit D

[radd in reply to Hidden]

MM,

No calcium supplements. My endo is emphatic that calcium is easily got from dietary sources and utilised better by the body than supplements. I must admit I’ve had regular bone health labs and my calcium has never been low.

[Lottyplum in reply to radd]

May I ask, did you manage to get another Dexa scan that supported your osteopenia reversal. I was diagnosed via Dexa scan with osteopenia (-1.3 -1.9) and in October 2022 - tho didn’t understand the results til recently from my new private Endo. Neither NHS Endo or GP informed me of that! So, I am looking to try out Bone Balance tho, as usual, not cheap! I brisk walk at least an hour every day+starting with weights at home. I am 75 yr old female (but I’m no ‘old lady’!) 😎

[radd in reply to Lottyplum]

Lottyplum,

Yes, I’ve had two DEXA scans that evidence complete reversal since osteopenic diagnosis eleven years ago. These were NHS through my GP but driven by private endo.

I also had a private Beta-Crosslaps blood test which measures collagen produced during bone resorption, so indirectly measuring bone turnover. Everything is now good, so much so I had a bad fall earlier this year and suffered extensive tendon damage but no broken bones!

I think my present good bone health is a combination of good dietary calcium, supplementing Vit D and Bone Balance, weight bearing exercise, HRT and good individualised FT4:FT3 ratio. There's lots of research regarding bones expressing thyroid hormone conversion and how important the exact amount of T3 is. Some members appear to make the mistake of thinking more T3 is better but you just end up with what scientists now call bone-thyrotoxicosis. This is when bone absorption exceeds bone production with an eventual net loss of bone mass, resulting in the same porous bones that too little T3 induces.

[Lottyplum in reply to radd]

Thankyou for that. I've been on levo since 1981 after thyroidectomy+only from private blood tests in 2022 that include T3 find out my T3 scraping the barrel. Been on T3 since Dec 2023, 5mcgx3 times a day from private Endo; T3/T4 combo. I used to run when younger+loved it+since on T3 I've been brisk walking every day for an hour or more. I'd like to run again so want to ensure my bones will be ok with running, hence was looking at the Bone Balance you mentioned. I take D3/K2 daily, eat/drink lots of calcium rich foods+other supplements. Never had HRT. Think there were cancer issues around that time, but I never had menopausal problems. Which company do the Beta-crosslaps blood tests? After my experience with GP surgery after moving house, I try to keep well away! Thanks for this v useful information

[Hidden in reply to TiggerMe]

Oh OK! Thanks 😁

[Buddy195 Administrator]

My sister sailed through the menopause using red clover & clary sage, but (apart from in the form of a cooling spray) the supplements did nothing for me.

Regarding HRT options , it may be useful to have a look at Dr Louise Newson’s free Balance App, as I find it really useful for comparing HRT medications & having up to date research articles. There is also an ability to post questions.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Hidden in reply to Buddy195]

Thanks, I have had a little look! I really need to spend more time on it 😄