Preclinical study findings suggest potential effectiveness of 5HTP supplements for menopause relief in males.
In a recent pre-clinical study, the natural supplement 5-HTP has shown promising results in potentially alleviating some symptoms associated with menopause, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and hot flushes.
The study, involving nine women, found that over a 30-day period, there was a 40% increase in sleep quality, with improvements across all sleep aspects. Furthermore, there was a 30% improvement in libido, and a 9% increase in feelings of calmness, coolness, and collectedness.
5-HTP, a direct precursor of serotonin, is known to influence serotonin levels, which can have a positive impact on mood regulation and sleep quality. However, it's important to note that currently, there is limited specific research on the effectiveness of 5-HTP supplements in alleviating menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Mood swings, reported by 50% of women during menopause, are often associated with low serotonin levels, as serotonin plays a crucial role in mood regulation. Similarly, around 40% of women experience disturbed sleep during menopause, a symptom that 5-HTP may help address due to its role in supporting melatonin production, essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
However, hot flushes are primarily associated with hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during menopause. Treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and phytoestrogens are more commonly used to address these symptoms.
Despite these positive results, it's crucial to emphasise that this study is insufficient to establish 5-HTP as a proven solution for menopause symptoms. Further research is needed, including using a larger sample size, randomised placebo-controlled trials, objective assessment methods, and assessing dietary intake and physical activity levels.
In conclusion, while 5-HTP may offer some benefits in terms of mood regulation and sleep, its effectiveness specifically for menopause symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings is not well-documented. However, it could be considered as part of a broader regimen to support mood stability and sleep quality, especially when combined with other supplements or therapies.
Science suggests 5-HTP supplements might aid women's health, as they potentially improve mental health by reducing mood swings and promoting healthier sleep during menopause. However, the supplement's effectiveness in alleviating menopause symptoms like hot flushes is not extensively researched. Studies on nutrition and exercise could further document 5-HTP's benefits for women's health and wellness, potentially leading to a supplement recommendation as part of a broader regimen for enhancing mental health, mood stability, and sleep quality.
