Women's Health

Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Supplements and Vitamins

What is the difference between a Menopause Supplement and Progesterone Cream?

Menopause supplements are taken orally by mouth whereas progesterone creams are applied directly to the skin. Menopausal symptoms are caused by a lack of estrogen and progesterone. The Menopause Supplement is a good source of phyto-estrogens or plant-based weakly estrogenic compounds to help alleviate menopause symptoms. The Progester-ONE cream is a good source of progesterone.

Both of our products are all-natural and we recommend using the Menopause Support supplement first. If it does not help then we recommend adding in the Progester-ONE cream. Both products can be used at the same time.

Why do you recommend taking a 1 week break after 3 weeks of continuous usage of the Menopause Supplement?

Levels of estrogen and progesterone naturally rise and fall before menopause. We recommend the cycling of the Menopause Supplement (as well as the Progester-ONE cream) to mimic the natural fluctuations of the body. We have found that with continuous usage, your body can get “used to” the supplement and stop working. Therefore, cycling helps the product to remain effective.

How do Probiotics Support Vaginal Health in Women?

Probiotics are most known for their ability to support digestive health, but did you know that that's not all they do, especially in women? Probiotics are also found in a woman's vagina and can also help protect them from developing bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections. Lactobacillus probiotics normally reside in the vagina and work by maintaining a low pH level in the vagina which prevents harmful bacteria and yeast from building up.

Antibiotic use, sexual activity, poor nutrition, and other factors can disrupt the good bacteria in the vagina. These disruptions can result in vaginal infections such as candida and bacterial vaginosis. If you are taking antibiotics for any type of infection, these drugs may kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad. It is now common medical advice to take probiotics while taking antibiotics, as probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to your body and can restore some of the probiotics lost from antibiotic use.

Read more about the benefits of probiotics for women here.

How does Black Cohosh help with Menopause Symptoms like Hot Flashes?

Approximately 75 percent of women in menopause or perimenopause will suffer from hot flashes. For most women, hot flashes eventually dissipate in the years following menopause, but for some, hot flashes never stop. Hot flashes don't consist of just feeling intensely warm and subsequent sweating, but may include heart palpitations and dizziness.

Fortunately, menopause supplements such as black cohosh can relieve or reduce the agony of hot flashes. Native to North America and a member of the buttercup family, black cohosh can reduce a myriad of menopausal symptoms but is particularly effective for hot flash treatment. Exactly how black cohosh reduces hot flashes is not clear, but researchers suspect it is due to how it enhances norepinephrine, a chemical in the body that regulates temperature.

Read more about how black cohosh reduces hot flashes here.

What Are the Benefits of Horny Goat Weed in Women?

Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed is a women's health supplement that can improve your sexual function and alleviate stress. It also can help with menopausal symptoms.

Horny goat weed contains phytoestrogens, which act like estrogen and boost libido or relieve menopausal side effects. While many women deal with quality of life menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, the loss of estrogen at menopause can lead to osteoporosis, or weakened, brittle bones. Horny goat weed may lessen your odds of developing osteoporosis, and it is among the best all-around anti-aging supplements for women. One caveat: Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take horny goat weed.

Read more about the benefits of horny goat weed for women here.

What Ingredients Should a Prenatal Vitamin Have?

Of all vitamins for women, perhaps the most important are those taken during pregnancy, since they benefit the mother and the developing fetus. If you are pregnant, you want to take the best prenatal vitamins possible for your baby. In fact, if you are trying to get pregnant, doctors recommend that you take prenatal vitamins a few months before you intend to conceive. This is to ensure your body is well-equipped to supply your baby with essential vitamins such as folate.

Your doctor may also recommend that you continue taking prenatal vitamins if you breastfeed, which not only helps your baby but may prevent you from experiencing nutritional issues common after giving birth. When choosing a daily prenatal vitamin, make sure it includes at least 1,000 mg of calcium, 600 I.U of vitamin D, 600 mcg of folic acid and at least 27 mg of iron. Vitamin C is also essential in a prenatal vitamin, as it aids in collagen formation, the building block for your baby's bones, joints, tendons and skin.

Read more about what vitamins a prenatal vitamin should have here.

How do Probiotics Support Urinary Tract Health in Women?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common problems experienced by women. Symptoms of a UTI include burning while urinating, pain while urinating, smelly or bloody urine, and cramping or discomfort in your lower back or abdomen. Taking probiotics may help help prevent UTIs because Lactobacillus probiotics in the vagina help prevent the growth of UTI-causing E. coli bacteria, making urinary tract infections less likely to develop.

There are other things you can take and do during an active urinary tract infection to help. Drinking plenty of water will promote the production of urine and make it harder for bacteria to spread upwards in the urinary tract. Cranberry juice and cranberry pills have also been found to be helpful by inhibiting the attachment of the bacteria to the urinary tract. The supplement D-mannose is also helpful as it inhibits the spread and growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Read more about what vitamins and supplements for women can help with urinary tract infections here.

What Natural Treatments for Candida/Yeast Overgrowth?

Most people have the yeast organism Candida albicans in or on their bodies, but for most it isn't an issue because the immune system keeps Candida growth in check. Those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing a candida infection. Diabetics are also at risk because their bodies excrete sugars that Candida yeast thrive on. These persons can have yeast overgrowth in the oral cavitity, a condition called oral candidiasis. Symptoms include bad breath, sores at the corner of the mouth, and having a white coat on the tongue.

For women antibiotic usage can also trigger a yeast infection because antibiotics kill off the good bacteria inside the vagina that keep the vagina healthy. Symptoms of a yeast infection include vaginal itching and a whitish, cottage-cheese like discharge from the vagina.

In addition to probiotics, other natural treatments for candida include oregano leaf extract and caprylic acid.

Read more about natural treatments for candida here.

What Supplements Should a Woman Take in Her 40's, 50's, or 60's?

Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, your body is going through a lot of changes. While going through these changes, it’s important to keep up with a healthy lifestyle, stay active, and be proactive. There are many things you can do to keep yourself living healthier longer. Supplementing your diet with essential nutrient tablets can help support your overall health.

Your age can indicate the type of nutritional supplements that will be most beneficial for you.

In your 40s: You should be continuing to focus on antioxidants to support your immune system. Vitamins C and E are rich in antioxidants. Vitamin D3 and calcium are also good supplements to take at this time is your life to help give protection against weak bones later in life. A probiotic supplement with a high CFU can help strengthen your immune and digestive systems.

In your 50s: Continue taking Vitamin C, D, E, probiotics, and consider adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Omega-3s help reduce the build-up of plaque in your arteries that leads to atherosclerosis. They also inhibit inflammation and keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. 

In your 60s: At this time in your life, your stomach acid will be beginning to decline, which will make it more difficult to absorb certain nutrients. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can help. Now is also a good time to add a vitamin B12 supplement to your daily regime.

What Are the Most Important Vitamins for Women?

Whatever your age, vitamins are always an essential part of your diet. Here are some of the most important.

B1 (thiamine): This vitamin promotes healthy circulation, the formation of blood cells and metabolism of carbohydrates. It also plays an important role in the functions of the brain and nervous system. Food sources include legumes, cruciferous vegetables, wheat germ, yeast, pulses, nuts, and eggs. B1 deficiency can cause depression, weight loss, fatigue, and digestive problems.

B3 (Niacin): Vitamin B3 is vital for the circulatory system and maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. It also supports the nervous system and hormone levels. Food sources include peanuts, eggs, pork, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cheese, dates, and milk.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 helps with the absorption of proteins and fats as well as maintaining the body’s balance of sodium and potassium. Food sources include avocado, blackstrap molasses, brown rice, oats, fish, eggs, chicken, and peas. Deficiency may cause hair loss, dizziness, fatigue, and potential inflammation of the mouth. 

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): Along with vitamin B12, folic acid is vital for the formation of red blood cells and healing. It also supports healthy metabolism. Food sources include cruciferous vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, liver, and spinach. A folic acid deficiency can cause skin disorders, hair loss, poor circulation, depression, and fatigue.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy functioning of the nervous system, metabolizing nutrients, and aiding in the production of red blood cells. Food sources include bananas, liver, milk, eggs, peanuts, and kidneys. A deficiency can result in loss of appetite and fatigue.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): This vitamin is essential for the health and maintenance of all the body’s connective tissues, particularly the skin, hair, bones, and gums. It also supports the immune system and protects against oxidative stress. Food sources include berries, kale, asparagus, red clover, plantains, grapefruits, tomatoes, and mustard greens. A vitamin C deficiency can cause fatigue, bleeding gums, slow healing, and vulnerability to infection.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is needed to keep teeth and bones healthy. It also supports thyroid functions and the proper uptake of calcium and other minerals. It is obtained from the sun. Food sources include eggs, milk, fish, and sprouted seeds. Deficiency can cause tooth decay and bone deformation.

Vitamin E: This vitamin is essential for healthy reproduction and fertility. It improves circulation and prevents fat-soluble vitamins from being destroyed in the body. Food sources include wheat germ, cruciferous vegetables, sprouted seeds, eggs, and nuts.

Vitamin K: This vitamin is essential to healthy liver function as well as for blood clotting and the prevention of bleeding. Food sources include cruciferous vegetables, yogurt, cabbage, tomatoes, milk, and eggs. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to premature aging, colitis, and fatigue.

Because you can’t always count on getting all the nutrients you need from food, DrFormulas™ has created a range of nutritional supplements to support women’s health throughout your lifetime. DrFormulas™ Calcium, Magnesium & Vitamin D contains a combination of essential bone minerals to help keep your joints and bones strong. 

As you get closer to menopause, you may begin to experience the discomfort of hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. With its proprietary combination of 12 different ingredients, including black cohosh, dong quai, wild yam, and red raspberry, DrFormulas™ Menopause & Perimenopause Supplement is designed to support hormone health through these changes. You can also get the benefits of hormone support from DrFormulas™ Menopause Progester-One Cream. This cream contains aloe vera, red clover, wild yam, and evening primrose oil specially formulated for menopause and perimenopause relief.

Many women become concerned about low  libido, particularly as they are approaching menopause, but they don’t know what to do about it. It can be a confusing and stressful experience for you and your partner. DrFormulas™ offers a discrete and effective solution. DrFormulas™ Libido Booster for Women is an all-natural supplement for the support of libido and sexual enhancement. Created especially for women, this supplement contains horny goat weed, maca, and macuna pruriens to help improve sexual wellness.

If you’re struggling to lose those extra pounds, DrFormulas™ has just the thing. Forskolin Diet Pills with Saffron Extract will help you burn stored fat quickly while reducing your cravings. White Kidney Bean Extract blocks the absorption of carbohydrates from the food you eat.