Women's Health Supplements

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus? It can certainly feel like that on the topic of health! Although we are quite similar anatomically (with a few obvious differences…), men and women unsurprisingly have complex health needs that differ between the two.

That’s why we have a dedicated section for women’s health (and men’s health), with products that could help with pregnancy, urinary tract health and the menopause, as well as multivitamins for women.

At Holland & Barrett we have a vast range of women's health products - specialising in products and supplements for the menopause; products that help with pregnancy and conception; urinary tract health and multivitamins for women. Many of our supplements for the menopause and women's health products are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans and come in many different forms from tablets to liquid formulas.

What are some of the most prevalent health issues for women?

The menopause

Technically speaking, ‘menopause’ is just what happens to a woman’s body when her periods stop (usually between the ages of 45 and 55). However, people often use ‘menopause’ in place of the proper term perimenopause to describe the period that leads up to the menopause. During perimenopause, levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone start to rise and fall in an erratic manor, before plateauing at a lower level for the rest of a woman’s life.

This perimenopausal period usually lasts around four years, but it can go on for up to 12 years and while some women don’t have any negative symptoms, some can feel the effects quite badly. These include the famous hot flushes and night sweats, which affect 60-85% of women, varying in frequency and severity – sometimes they can last for as long as 15 years (yikes!). Periods can also be affected and become unpredictable, shorter or longer.

What are the best vitamins for women?

• Calcium - it’s essential for healthy bones and teeth. Find it in foods like green leafy vegetables, cheese, milk, fortified juices and bread.


• Vitamin B6 – contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. Find it in foods like oats, brown rice, soya and eggs.


• Zinc – helps with normal fertility and reproduction. Find it in foods like bread, dairy, shellfish and meat.