Order Menopeace here. I don't hold stock of supplements.

Why have I chosen this one?

My favourite SERM supplement is Estrovite because it has all of the main SERMs in, but also DIM and methylation support to make sure that you are processing your oestrogens down safely too. You can take 2 twice or 3 x day with food.

But, if you just want a straightforward herbal SERMs supplement without the DIM or folate support, then Menopeace is my next favourite.

What is a SERM?

This is an extract from the Hormone Plan (coming soon).

In perimenopause, many women turn to so-called phyto-oestrogens like isoflavones from soy or other plants like hops because of the elements like genistein and daidzein which are thought of as a form of plant oestrogen. They are actually SERMs (selective estrogen (sic) receptor modulators), which means that they compete with real oestrogens at the receptors.

That means they can either augment the amount of oestrogen docking at the receptors and therefore increase oestrogen in the body OR they can dock at the receptors and block excess ‘real’ oestrogens, therefore reducing the overall level of oestrogen in the body. A lot of people are confused by information out there suggesting you can get too much oestrogen from them – very unlikely because of their adaptogenic nature.

You can use them in times of fluctuating oestrogen.

They don't actually raise hormone levels so you won't see any rise on test results, actually, but they have an effect at receptor level and a tissue effect; you can feel them working even if you can’t see it on results.

Tips for taking SERMS

It seems to work best as a synergistic mix, which is why I have chosen Estrovite. Isoflavones in food can help, but you really need genistein, daidzein, black cohosh and dong quai to get some work done. Some people will do better with single types. Dose is dependent and varies as some will only need a small amount, others loads. It’s best to start low and build to find your particular dose. It works for many, but not all.

That might be because SERMS only become active when modulated into different metabolites in the gut and liver, so you must have a good gut microbiome with plenty of bacterial diversity for best effect. If someone doesn't, sometimes the polyphenols/flavones themselves can improve diversity and they start to work. For this reason, it can be a good idea to give your gut and liver some support at the same time – like probiotics and milk thistle, for example. If they are not working, think: how is your gut and liver?

Note, too, that they are best taken with carbohydrates. Low carb diets will affect how the SERMS are metabolised and they may not work as well as they might.

I don't hold stock. Order your Menopeace here. If buying supplements through Natural Dispensary, please use Micki Rose during registration when prompted. If you become a newsletter subscriber, you will get a list of discount codes to use too, cos I'm nice like that :) Subscribe here.