Menopause symptoms can sometimes feel debilitating, especially if left unchecked. Try these five key ingredients to soothe symptoms like brain fog, low mood, disrupted sleep and low energy during perimenopause, menopause and beyond!

Words: Domini Town and Serenova. Images: Shutterstock

Any number of pesky symptoms can start to crop up once perimenopause kicks in, often leaving us feeling drained, foggy, and not quite ourselves. And what’s more, symptoms can often be overlooked, dismissed, or brushed under the rug.

Domini Town, head of product at women’s wellness supplement specialist Serenova, says women aged 40+ can experience a wide range of symptoms during perimenopause, as well as through menopause and post-menopause.

Domini adds: “Women facing these experiences can sometimes face dismissive attitudes wherever they turn, even when their symptoms feel debilitating on a day-to-day level. We want to flip the narrative, because with the right support, midlife can be a time of newfound joy and empowerment.

“We’ve found that supplements can offer helpful support by topping up key nutrients and providing botanicals – alongside a balanced diet – that may target the most common concerns and contribute towards overall better health and wellbeing.”

These are the five key ingredients Serenova believes can support a midlife woman’s everyday routine.


1. Lion’s mane mushroom

This curious-looking, cream-coloured mushroom (above) is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. The mushrooms are rich with bioactive compounds which are believed to include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It’s thought that lion’s mane could support memory, mental clarity and cognitive function too.

Often referred to as an ‘adaptogen’ in herbal traditions, this mushroom has long been associated with balance and resilience.

One fun fact is that both the mushrooms’ genus name Hericium and their species name Erinaceus mean not ‘lion’, but ‘hedgehog’ in Latin. So, maybe just the thing if you’re feeling prickly.

2. Maca root

This hardy vegetable thrives in the rocky soil of the Andes. It’s a bit of an inspiration for those trying to live the high life: it grows at an altitude of over 4,000 metres, where few other crops can survive.

Similarly to lion’s mane mushrooms, maca root has been described as an adaptogen and has been used in Peruvian remedies for at least 3,000 years. Modern studies are exploring maca’s nutritional profile and assessing its potential role in supporting general wellbeing.

Thanks to the magic of global supply chains, you won’t need to climb up to a misty plateau to get your fix. Work some maca root into your diet with an easy-to-use supplement and you’ll enter spring with your passion at its peak.

3. Green tea

Legend says that green tea was discovered by Shennong, the mythical first emperor of China. When sitting by a tea tree, a leaf fell into his cup of boiled water.

David Bowie was a big fan of green tea and these days it’s said to be a healthy part of many celebs’ routines, including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and contains L-theanine, which is often associated with a calm yet alert feeling, similar to the state people might experience when meditating or daydreaming.

4. Ashwagandha

Who’d have thought a small evergreen shrub could become such a talking point? Ashwagandha can be found in India, the Middle East and Africa, where it’s believed to have supported wellness for centuries.

Ashwagandha’s species name is somnifera, which means ‘sleep-inducer’ in Latin – one reason it’s continued to intrigue scholars and researchers that are exploring its cultural legacy. It is said to promote a sense of calm and resilience, supporting length and quality of sleep.

5. Flaxseed

Identified by their nutty taste and golden or brown colour, flaxseeds come from the flax plant, which has distinctive five-petalled flowers that bloom in the summer.

Flaxseed is stuffed full of fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other crucial vitamins and minerals. Eating it regularly is understood to provide a source of important fibre and may contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

Serenova’s Balance & Boost shake has been formulated to contain the ingredients above and more. Each 20g sachet combines carefully selected botanicals with essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, probiotics and protein. Designed to support a convenient, easy-to-take daily ritual, each powdered shake is available in a range of flavours including raspberry, chocolate, vanilla and coffee.

Choose to power up with a spot of loving self-care that could boost your feelings of wellbeing and complement a calm and balanced lifestyle.

For more information about Serenova, visit https://www.serenova.co.uk/