Natrol Complete Balance: Great Over-The-Counter Natural Supplement for Perimenopause Symptoms

Nearing my 40th birthday, I began to experience changes in my normally optimistic and happy attitude.

I was irritable for no reason and well beyond the usual few days I could attribute to PMS. I was having trouble sleeping at night and would sometimes wake up hot, throw the covers off, only to find that I was now cold.

After several months of this I also noticed symptoms such as forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate.

Though I didn't want to admit, I realized that I was beginning the process that would eventually lead to menopause.

In talking with other female friends who range from early to late forties, I realized that we were all experiencing the same thing.

It is hard to admit that we are getting older and that our bodies are changing.

But unlike just a generation ago, women are now talking about it openly and, because of this, we are able to find more ways to get some relief as we experience these changes in our bodies.

While I'm not against HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and have not ruled this out as a treatment down the road if my syptoms become more severe, I decided to try some natural, over-the-counter remedies that might give me some relief and help me to feel like myself.

I first tried some regular women's vitamins thinking that the extra iron might help my moodiness and my tiredness. However, I saw no improvement even after several weeks.

I then read about Natrol Complete Balance on some message boards and thought I'd give it a try.

Note: As with any medication, prescription or non-prescription, you should check with your doctor and make sure that what you plan to take is safe for you and does not interfere with any other medications.

I ordered some Complete Balance off of Amazon since the price was pretty good and I was desperate to try anything to get some relief.

The supplement comes with two bottles, a daytime capsule and a nighttime capsule.

The day capsule contains:

• Vitamin B1: 3 mg
• Vitamin B2: 3.4 mg
• Vitamin B6: 4 mg
• Folic Acid: 400 mcg
• Calcium: 125 mg
• Soy Extract: 62 mg
• Soy Isoflavones: 25 mg
• Black Cohosh: 40 mg
• Triterpene Glycosides: 1 mg

The last four ingredients are the ones that had me intrigued. These are the ingredients that can help with the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

• Soy

According to Webmd, though the reviews are mixed, there is enough evidence to show that soy may help to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes because soy acts like estrogen in the body.

Part of the reason that women experience hot flashes and changes in moods is due to the loss of estrogen in the body during menopause.

This loss of estrogen is also why women are more likely to suffer from heart attacks after menopause. It is estrogen that actually helps protect women from some of the health issues that men are more prone to at younger ages.

• Black Cohosh

Black Cohost has been used by women to treat menopause symptoms for years. The University of Maryland Medical School says that a German study found Black Cohosh to be good for hot flashes and anxiety associated with menopausal symptoms.

Some studies suggest that Black Cohosh is even better at relieving symptoms than prescription anti-depressant drugs.

The university also notes that while it is thought that Black Cohosh is safe for all women, those that are taking other medications should consult their doctors.

The night capsule contains:

• Calcium: 180 mg
• Soy Extract: 62 mg
• Soy Isoflavones: 25 mg
• Melatonin: 1 mg

We already know what the other ingredients do, but how does Melatonin help a woman experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms?

One word: sleep!

• Melatonin

Your body naturally makes melatonin when it is night and your are getting ready to go to sleep. But as we get older, we don't make it as well and may have more trouble sleeping.

Women who are experiencing changes in their body may also have more trouble sleeping or wake up because they are having a hot flash.

Melatonin may help to alleviate some of these symptoms by helping the body to go to sleep and stay asleep for longer periods of time.

The supplement made a noticeable difference for me in my mood and my ability to concentrate. The nighttime formula did not help me as much but that may have been because there were other things on my mind that contributed to the restless sleep.

Living in a southern state, I also often feel hot at night, even with the air conditioner. I think my next purchase will be chilled pillow to help keep me cool as I sleep.

For many women, the symptoms of perimenopause can make them feel miserable.

It's hard to admit to ourselves that we are aging and facing a change. But it is important to embrace this idea in order to find ways to relieve our symptoms and get back to being ourselves.

I plan to continue to take both the day and night supplements as I understand that the effectiveness is cumulative.

Whether you seek prescription or over-the-counter relief, the important thing is to admit your not yourself and find a way to feel better.