I found my thrill in this perimenopause supplement
Yep, we know not all perimenopause supplements are worth their salt. But this one reduces my night sweats, helps me sleep through the night, and sustains my energy.
I tried NNABI Peri Essential 5, and have more energy, better sleep, and less night sweats
I’m 48, and by my count, I’ve been in perimenopause for about six years — so far. I still get my period, though the usual 28-day cycle is shortening, so my best guess is that I’ll continue perimenopause for at least another year or so.
Here’s my *exciting* list of primary peri symptoms: night sweats, debilitating headaches, midsection weight gain, insomnia, sugar cravings, fatigue, occasional brain fog, and joint pain.
I currently take Progesterone, which has helped reduce my night sweats from nightly to about six to seven nights per month. Progesterone, along with Trazodone, have significantly helped my insomnia, which used to be a nightly occurrence.
When it comes to treating my perimenopause symptoms, I’m open to being a human guinea pig. When I heard about a supplement called NNABI Peri Essential 5 that’s specifically formulated for perimenopausal women, I was intrigued. Then when I learned it was created by two friends, Marina Pen and EJ Kim, who are navigating perimenopause together, I thought OK, I’ll try this.
Peri Essential 5 consists of natural, botanical, medical-grade ingredients, no hormones, and is said to complement HRT by addressing five areas that are essential to holistic health:
The nervous system
Digestion/Liver Function
Inflammation
Immunity
Blood-sugar levels
The formula addresses five areas that get disrupted by the intense hormonal fluctuations that occur in perimenopause and cause common symptoms. “We looked at the solution from a functional medicine approach to understand where symptoms originate and seeing the body as a whole system in order to provide a more comprehensive solution vs tackling symptoms individually,” says Marina Pen, co-founder of NNABI.
Does Peri Essential 5 work for perimenopause symptoms?
I’ve been taking a total of four capsules daily (two in the morning, two at night) for six months. Starting at the one-month point, here’s what I noticed:
I have more energy throughout the day.
My premenstrual symptoms (primarily, horrible headaches and irritability) are less severe.
I have less frequent night sweats (reduced from about six to seven times a month to about two times per month, and it’s more of a “light” sweat instead of completely soaking through the sheets.)
I sleep through the night 99% of the time. Before I started taking Peri Essential 5, the Progesterone and Trazodone combo helped me sleep through the night 90% of the time.
I haven’t gotten sick (no colds, fevers, infections, even though I have twins in elementary school, knock on wood).
My libido has improved!
Heads-up! The CBD formula could make you very relaxed
When deciding whether to start with the CBD or non-CBD formula, I chose Peri Essential 5 CBD, because chill vibes. 🙂 I enjoy weed gummies occasionally after stressful days at work, and especially the relief for neck and shoulder tension. But CBD during the day while I’m trying to focus and get shit done? Not for this GAL.
If you don’t regularly consume CBD, I suggest starting slowly by taking just one Peri Essential 5 broad-spectrum CBD (0% THC) in the evening, and after a couple of weeks, try two CBD at night. Up to you if you want to take the CBD formula during the day. I now sometimes take the CBD formula at night to wind down and sleep all night, but during the day and most evenings, I take the non-CBD formula.
Both the CBD and non-CBD formulas contain the same six medical-grade herbs and adaptogens. EJ Kim, Co-founder of NNABI, says, “Our supplements are crafted with the expertise of top health professionals, including an OBGYN, naturopathic doctor, herbalist, functional medicine doctor, and a compounding pharmacist, ensuring our formulation is scientifically sound and effective.”
So what’s in this stuff? Here are the botanical, chemical-free ingredients, some that I’d never heard of, so I did some research. I learned that not all natural food extracts are the same. The efficacy of, for example, curcuma and Ashwagandha must be top-notch to generate prime results. Peri Essential 5 contains the highest-quality ingredients out there.
1. Hydrocurc Curcuma Longa Extract, a type of Curcumin extract
Curcumin is the active compound found in turmeric, aka the “magical” compound responsible for all of its amazing health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
HydroCurc is a specialized form of curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, that has been developed to enhance how well the body absorbs it. HydroCurc can help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals.
Benefits of Hydrocurc Curcuma Longa Extract: can help reduce joint pain, supports a healthy liver and blood sugar levels; improves digestion, memory, and brain function.
Let’s hang on Tuesday, September 10!
I’m talking with the founders of NNABI about perimenopause and we hope you’ll join us.
Tackle perimenopause symptoms like a pro.
Build your tribe and navigate this phase like a boss.
Turn this time into your personal growth and transformation era.
When: Tuesday, September 10, 6 pm ET (5 pm CT | 3 pm PT)
Where: Online, virtually. RSVP HERE!
Meet Kate Higgins, a licensed therapist-turned-coach for midlife women
I’m a licensed therapist turned coach for women in midlife. I’m a classic GenX girl who took the scenic route through my 20s and 30s. When I hit my 40s, a series of life events kicked my butt but ultimately helped me to figure out who I am and what I want. Last year, I took a voluntary layoff from my corporate job and launched my business: Your Magical Midlife.
I’m here to help women not just endure menopause but to celebrate it. I do individual coaching, small group coaching, and intimate retreats that include rituals and rites of passage to initiate women into their Empress phase of life.
I’m in the midst of:
TRANSFORMATION. Launching my company has been a giant learning curve. I have never been self-employed, and it was a huge risk. I have learned so much about myself-being an entrepreneur is challenging, terrifying but ultimately the most rewarding thing I have done.
The best thing about my current age (53, soon to be 54):
Learned Resilience. I love the confidence that comes with surviving the many knocks life inevitably serves up by the time you are 50. I have survived a cross-country move, the death of my mother, caring for my father, who has dementia, ovarian cancer, a radical hysterectomy, and leaving my corporate job for a life of my choosing. With each bump in the road, I have become more sure-footed.