HRT vs. Over-the-Counter Supplements - Which is Best for Menopausal Relief?

By: Donna Anderson

I’ve spent years writing for Beyond Menopause – it’s my job and life’s passion to help women through Menopause.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to try almost every type of menopausal treatment plan and talk to 1000s of women like me who are constantly seeking relief. 

Here’s the problem I’ve noticed – most women still use inferior, ineffective menopause remedies to fight symptoms like..

  • Hot flashes

  • Mood swings

  • Weight gain

  • Brain fog

  • Joint pain… the list goes on and on. 

Today, I’m diving into two popular treatments for menopausal symptoms to reveal which one wins – and why any woman trying to fight menopausal pain and discomfort should be using it! 

We're comparing store-bought menopausal supplements and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help you find the best option for your needs, so you can get relief, ASAP!

The Products

First up are store-bought menopausal supplements. They’re widely known and ultra-popular for managing – or should I say, “trying to manage” – menopausal symptoms. 

I've personally tried these supplements before – but a few months ago I was introduced to a new contender that has quickly earned the top spot in my treatment regimen…

Let’s talk about Hormone Replacement Therapy from Winona. This independent brand is dedicated to creating effective treatments using 100% naturally-derived Bio-identical hormones – I've become enamored with this "miracle" therapy, and I can't wait to share it with you!

So let’s see how they compare:

Best for…Effectiveness? Winona 

Winona is far, far more effective.

Winona's HRT targets the root cause of menopausal symptoms by replenishing diminishing estrogen levels to help eliminate menopause symptoms safely and effectively. When it comes to HRT, choosing bioidentical hormones is crucial – this is what makes Winona’s HRT one of a kind.

With Winona – your personal doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that contains hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by your body. 

It’s a treatment plan tailored for you and you alone – there are no blind spots, and all your symptoms matter to your doctor.

Winona’s naturally-derived 100% bioidentical hormones align perfectly with your body's needs – This helps to effectively alleviate menopausal symptoms by mimicking your body's natural hormones, effectively providing a more natural approach to relieving menopausal symptoms.

Anyone going through menopause can potentially benefit from Winona.

While over-the-counter (OTC) menopausal supplements can offer some relief from menopausal symptoms, there are several negatives when compared to doctor-prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT):

  • Inconsistent Quality: OTC supplements are less rigorously regulated than prescription medications leading to lackluster quality.

  • Unpredictable Reactions & Side Effects: OTC supplements can interact with other prescription medications and other supplements, potentially causing adverse effects. While generally considered safe, some supplements can cause side effects on their own such as gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, or other health problems.

  • Inadequate Monitoring: Without a doctor's supervision, there is no professional monitoring for side effects, efficacy, or potential complications.

  • Slower Onset: Even when effective, OTC supplements can take longer to produce noticeable benefits compared to the more immediate effects of HRT.

  • Trial and Error: Finding an effective OTC supplement can involve a lengthy process of trial and error, which can be frustrating and extremely costly.

Winona’s HRT is prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals, ensuring a tailored and regulated approach to managing menopausal symptoms with a well-established safety and efficacy profile.

Best for…Safety? Winona 

Most women I talk to about HRT are usually concerned – but they really shouldn’t be!!

Like any prescribed service from a qualified doctor – so long as you co-operate with your treatment plan correctly, taking the prescription on time, etc. – there’s practically no risk for your safety, at all – whatsoever!

Why do some women think HRT is unsafe? 

Well the truth is a lot of older studies found potential risks of HRT, and made many people reluctant to take it. 1

But this view is now seen as out of date because it does not take account of the benefits as well as the risks.

On the other hand menopausal supplements you can find in healthstores can sometimes contain harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, due to poor manufacturing standards.

Relying on supplements might delay seeking professional medical advice and treatment, potentially worsening health conditions.

That’s why Winona wins in this category too.

Best for…Convenience? Winona 

When it comes to fighting menopausal symptoms – convenience is ultra-important.

Winona’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) comes in 3 simple, easy-to-use methods like supplements, patches, and creams, making it easy to integrate into your daily life.

These options are not invasive and easier to incorporate into your daily life, providing greater flexibility and comfort.

They’re delivered right to your door – you don’t have to worry about testing over-the-counter products, trying them one after another to figure out which ones give you minimal relief!

Over-the-counter supplements can indeed be found in most pharmacies and health stores, making them super convenient. But, when you consider that you have KEEP trying one product after another by continually heading back to the store you’ll see that all the trial and error isn’t worth it…

Winona’s HRT wins again.

Best for…Price? Tie

When I talk to menopausal women about treatment costs and financial planning – they can find this part a little tricky to understand…. 

Over-the-counter supplements can cost as little as $20-$30 – that’s the average cost for a month’s supply.

However, this cost is very likely to rise because you’ll that’s the cost of only one type of supplement. Most of the time they are never as effective as HRT. So, you’ll have to go through the trial and error stage of finding one that works for you – meaning you may end up spending more than +$100 a month on inferior supplements that don’t work for you.

In comparison, Winona’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can start from just $89.99 per month. With free shipping included you don’t have to waste any extra time or money traveling constantly to visit pharmacies or health stores…

So it’s a tie – but if you really value your time you’d be much better off going with something that works instead of trying to save a few dollars in the beginning – especially if you’re feeling great pain or discomfort.

My Top Choice

There we have it! Winona’s HRT is my top choice. 

Winona’s HRT addresses the root causes of menopausal weight gain, provides a more affordable solution, and offers multiple, non-invasive methods that fit seamlessly into daily life. Therefore, my number one recommendation for menopausal women seeking REAL RELIEF is Winona’s Hormone Replacement Therapy