Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: A Natural Remedy for Menopausal Symptoms

The mushroom market is booming, and varieties like lion's mane are becoming more popular than ever. More and more women, including supermodel and actress Gisele Bündchen, are looking to lion’s mane for a more holistic way to alleviate their menopausal symptoms.

Gisele Bündchen's Endorsement

Gisele, 43, a former Victoria’s Secret model and mother of two with American football star Tom Brady, recently shared on Instagram that she has been taking lion’s mane for a while. She finds that it helps her focus, boosts her energy, and she loves taking the vegan capsules by Gaia Herbs.

Expert Opinions on Lion's Mane

Experts agree on the benefits of lion’s mane for menopausal women. Menopause often brings a host of uncomfortable changes such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, but emerging research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms can offer relief from these symptoms.

"Lion's mane is packed with compounds that support brain health and mental clarity,” explains Rhysa Phommachanh, healthcare expert at Landys chemist. “Consuming the mushroom as a daily supplement can be beneficial for menopausal women, as it may help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings and brain fog. Its neuroprotective properties also support mental health by promoting nerve growth and enhancing cognitive function."

Benefits of Lion's Mane for Menopausal Women

One of the most significant and debilitating challenges during menopause is cognitive decline. Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog are common complaints. Studies have shown that lion's mane mushrooms can help alleviate these symptoms and improve memory. Menopausal women also face mood swings and anxiety, and lion’s mane has anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects that have been proven in studies.

Sleep disturbances are another common issue during menopause. Insomnia, night sweats, and restless sleep can significantly impact the quality of life. Lion's mane helps improve sleep due to its calming effects on the nervous system.

How to Take Lion's Mane

Lion’s mane can be taken in various ways, depending on personal preference. It is available in pill or capsule form, and many people prefer capsules to avoid tasting the mushroom and to ensure the correct dosage.

Experts advise considering your symptoms before deciding the best time of day to take a lion's mane supplement. For example, if you experience brain fog, take it in the morning to benefit from its cognitive and energy-boosting effects throughout the day. For sleep disturbances, taking it in the evening may be more beneficial.

Conclusion

For menopausal women, the most noticeable benefits of taking lion’s mane are improved cognitive function and mood stability. Studies have shown that women report better focus and a reduction in anxiety and sleep disturbances. Lion’s mane has beneficial effects on nerve growth factors, and its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.