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Every page on Her Vitals in one place: 116 guides, reviews, tools and data pages. Looking for something specific? Try the search page.

Supplements and life stages

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Ashwagandha for women: a UK guide Ashwagandha for women explained: why it carries no authorised EFSA claim, who it is and is not for, what to look for, and named UK brands to compare.
Bone Health Through Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond: A UK Guide How bone density risk changes around menopause, when NICE guidance says fracture risk should be assessed, and the nutrients with an EFSA-authorised role in maintaining normal bones.
Calcium for women: a UK evidence-led guide Calcium for women explained: the EFSA-authorised roles, how much you need across life stages, why it is usually a diet question not a supplement one, and named UK brands to compare.
Collagen for women: a UK evidence-led guide Collagen for women explained: what the evidence supports, why vitamin C matters, marine vs bovine sources, what to look for when buying, and named UK brands.
Creatine for women: a UK evidence-led guide Creatine for women explained: what it does, the EFSA-authorised performance claim, side effects to know, who it suits, and named UK brands to compare.
Do you need a multivitamin? A UK guide Do you need a multivitamin? What the NHS says for UK women, who genuinely benefits, the nutrients to single out by life stage, and what to avoid.
Do you need collagen after 40? A UK guide Do you need collagen after 40? What the evidence and EFSA rules actually support for women, why the claims often run ahead, and what to weigh before buying.
Editorial policy, Her Vitals How Her Vitals sources, fact-checks and edits its women’s health and supplement coverage: named primary sources, a named editor, evidence over marketing.
Free printable health checklists and food lists Free, no sign-up printables for UK women: iron and magnesium food lists, a menopause symptoms checklist, a GP appointment prep sheet and a supplement audit worksheet.
Getting menopause care in the UK: NHS pathway, private costs and what to ask How menopause specialist care works in the UK: the NHS GP referral route, current waiting times, when self-referral is possible, typical private consultation costs, and questions worth asking your GP.
Hormonal migraine in women: why it happens and what helps Why migraine without aura is often linked to falling oestrogen around your period, the pill-free week and perimenopause, what the NHS and NICE say helps, and when a headache needs urgent attention.
Iron for women: a UK evidence-led guide Iron for women explained: the EFSA-authorised roles, why to confirm low iron with a test first, the gentler forms, and named UK brands to compare.
Magnesium for women: a UK evidence-led guide Magnesium for women explained: what it does (EFSA-authorised roles), who it suits, the glycinate vs citrate vs oxide forms, and named UK brands to compare.
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms: evidence-first guide What the evidence says about the main menopause and perimenopause symptoms for UK women: hot flushes, sleep, mood, brain fog and joint aches, and what helps.
Menopause supplements: a UK evidence-led guide Menopause explained for UK women: what changes nutritionally after periods stop, which supplement categories matter, and how to choose, citing the NHS and EFSA.
Omega-3 for women: a UK evidence-led guide Omega-3 for women explained: the EFSA-authorised EPA and DHA roles, fish oil vs vegan algae sources, who it suits, what to look for, and named UK brands.
Perimenopause supplements: a UK evidence-led guide Perimenopause for UK women: what changes nutritionally, the supplement categories that matter, and how to choose, with NHS and EFSA sources.
Perimenopause symptoms and what helps Perimenopause symptoms explained for UK women, with what the NHS says, where lifestyle and supplements fit, and when to see your GP. Information only.
Period health: a UK guide to cycles, heavy periods and PMS A UK guide to the menstrual cycle, heavy periods and PMS: what is typical, NHS and NICE guidance on when to see a GP, and how PMS differs from PMDD.
Postnatal supplements: a UK evidence-led guide Postnatal nutrition for UK women: vitamin D while breastfeeding, recovery, energy, and which supplement categories are worth understanding. Information only.
Pregnancy supplements: a UK evidence-led guide Pregnancy nutrition for UK women: the folic acid and vitamin D the NHS recommends, what to avoid, and which extra supplements to understand. Information only.
Probiotics for women: a UK evidence-led guide Probiotics for women explained honestly: why the category has no authorised EFSA health claim in the UK, the one narrow exception that does, what CFU and strain actually mean, and named UK brands to compare.
Protein powder for women: a UK guide Protein powder for women explained: the EFSA-authorised roles, whey vs plant sources, who it suits, what to look for, and named UK brands to compare.
Shop Her Vitals supplements Every Her Vitals own-brand supplement in one place: magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3, iron, collagen, creatine, ashwagandha, protein and multivitamin. Sold by us directly.
Supplements and nutrition while taking weight-loss injections Nutrition and supplement considerations for people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medication such as Wegovy or Mounjaro: what tends to be under-eaten, why protein and resistance activity matter, and why to check any supplement with your prescriber first.
Supplements for menopause: the evidence Supplements for menopause and what the evidence actually says for UK women, the EFSA-authorised nutrient roles, and where claims run ahead. Information only.
Supplements for older women: a UK evidence-led guide Nutrition for women in the senior years: bone and muscle health, vitamin D, calcium, protein and B12, and which supplements matter. Information only.
The 34 symptoms of perimenopause, evidence-graded The 34 symptoms of perimenopause list, with each symptom graded on how well the NHS and NICE recognise it, what it feels like, and when to see your GP. Information only, not medical advice.
Trust centre, Her Vitals How Her Vitals uses AI, checks facts, corrects mistakes, handles complaints and protects your data. One place for our editorial, AI-use and data standards.
Trying to conceive: a UK supplement guide Preconception nutrition for UK women: the folic acid and vitamin D the NHS recommends when trying to conceive, plus what the evidence supports.
Vitamin B12 for women: a UK evidence-led guide Vitamin B12 for women explained: the EFSA-authorised roles, why vegans specifically need to plan for it, absorption issues with age and medication, and named UK brands to compare.
Vitamin D for women: a UK evidence-led guide Vitamin D for women explained: the NHS 10 microgram advice, EFSA-authorised roles in bones and immunity, D3 vs vegan sources, and named UK brands to compare.
Vitamin D: how much do you really need? How much vitamin D do you really need? The NHS 10 microgram daily advice for UK adults, the mcg to IU conversion, autumn and winter, and the safe upper limit.
When to take magnesium: a practical UK guide When to take magnesium, in plain English: morning or night, with or without food, the timing question around sleep, and the label-first principle. UK guide.
Your menopause and HRT questions, answered Plain answers to the questions UK women ask about perimenopause, menopause and HRT: hot flushes, early waking, bleeding on HRT, supply shortages and more.
Zinc for women: a UK evidence-led guide Zinc for women explained: the EFSA-authorised roles, the safe upper limit, why absorption matters on a plant-based diet, and named UK brands to compare.

Best of: product round-ups

Best ashwagandha UK for women: 2026 comparison Our pick of ashwagandha supplements in the UK, comparing extract and format and who each suits, across named real brands, with the EFSA-claim caveat explained.
Best collagen UK for women: 2026 comparison Our pick of the best collagen supplements in the UK for women, comparing marine and bovine sources, format and who each suits, across named real brands.
Best creatine for women UK: 2026 comparison Our pick of the best creatine for women in the UK, comparing monohydrate powder and tablet options, Creapure purity and value, across named real brands.
Best fertility & conception supplements UK: 2026 comparison Our pick of fertility and conception supplements in the UK, compared on format and who each suits, against the NHS folic acid and vitamin D advice.
Best magnesium for women UK: 2026 comparison Our pick of the best magnesium supplements for women in the UK, comparing form, who each suits and price, across BetterYou, Wild Nutrition, Bulk and Form.
Best multivitamin for women UK: 2026 comparison Our pick of women’s multivitamins in the UK, compared on format and who each suits, set against the NHS food-first advice, using named real brands.
Best omega-3 UK for women: 2026 comparison Our pick of the best omega-3 supplements in the UK for women, comparing fish oil and vegan algae sources, EPA and DHA content and who each suits.
Best perimenopause supplements UK: evidence league table An evidence-graded league table of perimenopause supplements for UK women, ranked on EFSA and NHS evidence status, with the effective dose and cost per effective dose for each. Information only.
Best prenatal vitamins UK: 2026 comparison Our pick of prenatal vitamins in the UK, comparing format and who each suits, against the NHS folic acid and vitamin D advice, across named real brands.
Best protein powder for women UK: 2026 Our pick of the best protein powder for women in the UK, comparing whey and plant sources, protein per serving and who each suits, across named real brands.
Best vitamin D supplement UK: 2026 Our pick of the best vitamin D supplements in the UK for women, comparing D3 and vegan sources, spray and softgel formats, and who each suits.

Evidence-led guides

Evidence-led women's health and supplement guides In-depth guides on the questions UK women actually ask: perimenopause and menopause, supplements in pregnancy, vitamin D and magnesium. Cited to NHS and EFSA.
Magnesium for women: forms, evidence and the claims A UK evidence-led guide to magnesium for women: how much you need, the EFSA-authorised roles, how the forms differ, and where marketing outruns the evidence.
Perimenopause and menopause supplements: the evidence A UK evidence-led guide to supplements around perimenopause and menopause: what changes, which categories have a credible role, and when to see a GP.
Supplements in pregnancy and trying to conceive: NHS basics A clear UK guide to supplements before and during pregnancy: the two the NHS advises, the one vitamin to avoid, and how to read a prenatal label.
Vitamin D for women through the year: how much, when and why A UK guide to vitamin D for women: why the NHS advises a daily 10 microgram supplement in autumn and winter, who needs it all year, and the upper limit.

Compare and explain

Collagen types explained: type I, II and III Collagen types I, II and III explained for UK women: where each is found in the body, which supplements tend to contain them, and what to look for on the label.
Folate vs folic acid: the difference explained Folate vs folic acid compared for UK women: what each is, how well absorbed they are, who each suits, methylfolate and MTHFR, and the NHS folic acid advice in pregnancy. Information only.
Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs bisglycinate Magnesium glycinate vs citrate vs bisglycinate, compared on what each form is, how gentle and well absorbed it tends to be, and who it suits, for UK women.

Glossary of terms

Supplement and women's health glossary Plain-English definitions of the supplement and women's health terms on Her Vitals: from bioavailability and EFSA claims to perimenopause and folic acid.

Free tools and calculators

Are you overpaying for vitamins? UK supplement price checker Enter a supplement price, servings and active dose to see its cost per effective dose and whether you are overpaying against a typical UK price band.
Ashwagandha cost per standardised dose calculator (UK) Compare ashwagandha supplements on cost per 600 mg of standardised root extract, the common trial dose. KSM-66 or Sensoril is not the same as plain powder.
Can I take this supplement with my medicine? UK interaction checker Check common supplement and prescribed-medicine combinations against BNF and NHS guidance, UK-sourced, before you buy or take anything new.
Collagen cost per 10g serving calculator (UK) Compare collagen powders and capsules on cost per 10 g of hydrolysed collagen, the serving size most trials use. Capsule products are often 10x dearer per gram.
Cost per effective dose calculators for supplements (UK) Free calculators that price UK supplements the honest way: per effective dose of the active, not per pack. Vitamin D, magnesium, iron, creatine and more.
Creatine cost per 5g serving calculator (UK) Compare creatine monohydrate powders and capsules on cost per 5 g serving. Capsules are often many times dearer per gram than plain monohydrate powder.
Do you actually need this supplement? UK evidence checker Pick a supplement and life stage for the honest NHS and EFSA evidence verdict: recommended, situational or no good evidence, plus a cheaper alternative.
Free supplement tools and UK health data trackers Free, no sign-up supplement tools: are you overpaying, do you actually need it, evidence scorecard, safe-limit checkers and a live UK HRT prescribing tracker.
How much is too much? Vitamin and mineral safe limits Enter a daily supplement dose and see how it compares with UK and EFSA tolerable upper intake levels, so you know if an amount is too high before you buy.
Iron cost per mg elemental iron calculator (UK) Compare iron supplements on elemental iron, not compound weight. Form-adjusted for ferrous fumarate, sulfate, gluconate and bisglycinate.
Magnesium cost per effective dose calculator (UK) Compare magnesium supplements on elemental magnesium, not compound weight. Form-adjusted for glycinate, citrate and oxide, priced to the NHS 270 mg figure.
Omega-3 cost per gram of EPA and DHA calculator (UK) Price any fish oil or algae omega-3 by what matters: cost per gram of combined EPA and DHA, not per capsule of "1000 mg fish oil". Instant, honest comparison.
Prenatal vitamin cost and baseline checker (UK) Check whether a prenatal hits the NHS baseline of 400 mcg folic acid and 10 mcg vitamin D, and what it costs per day. Most is available free or cheaply.
Proprietary blend decoder: spot hidden supplement doses (UK) Understand why a proprietary blend hides per-ingredient doses, and check whether a blend could be under-dosing its headline ingredient. Explainer plus flag.
Recommended daily intake lookup for women (UK) Look up NHS reference daily intakes of folic acid, iron, vitamin D, calcium, iodine and vitamin C for women by life stage, from trying to conceive to over 50.
Supplement ingredient evidence scorecard (UK) Score supplement headline claims against the EFSA and GB authorised health-claim register: authorised, situational or no authorised claim, with sources.
Supplement stack daily and annual cost calculator (UK) Add the supplements in your routine to see the real combined cost per day and per year, with a flag when the same nutrient appears twice.
UK HRT Prescribing Tracker (NHS England data) How much HRT the NHS in England is prescribing: items in , charted monthly from . NHSBSA data.
Vitamin D cost per effective dose calculator (UK) Work out what a vitamin D supplement really costs per NHS reference dose of 10 micrograms (400 IU). Enter price, pack size and dose for an honest cost per day.

Research and data

Nutrient Needs by Life Stage: A UK Reference Table for Women How much iron, calcium, folate, vitamin D and 7 other nutrients women actually need, compared across teens, 19-50, 50+, pregnancy and breastfeeding, from the UK\
Research and data assets Her Vitals research: consolidated, citeable data assets on UK women\
UK Supplement Price-Per-Effective-Dose Index A consolidated UK index that prices eight common supplements by their effective daily dose of the active ingredient, not by the pack. Updated June 2026.

UK women's health statistics

Statistics Key statistics on UK women's life-stage health and supplements for , each linked to its primary source. Updated .

Editorial team

, Editor, Her Vitals is the editor of Her Vitals, the UK women's life-stage health and supplement authority.
Editorial team, Her Vitals The named editorial team behind Her Vitals.

Accreditations

Accreditations and registrations The public registrations and identifiers for Best Business Loans Ltd, the company that operates Her Vitals, each linked to its primary register.

About, contact and policies

About Her Vitals Her Vitals is an independent UK women's health and supplement information service with a named editor, cited sources and an affiliate model disclosed upfront.
Contact, Her Vitals How to contact Her Vitals: editorial corrections, data protection, and the registered operator.
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Her Vitals Data API and MCP server Free, read-only access to Her Vitals's index of UK women's supplement categories: a JSON REST API, an OpenAPI 3.1 spec and an MCP server. CC BY 4.0.
How we are funded, Her Vitals The plain truth about how Her Vitals makes money: who operates the site, our affiliate model, and what is and is not live right now.
Privacy policy, Her Vitals How Her Vitals handles data: who the operator is, the analytics we use, affiliate links, and your rights.
Terms of use, Her Vitals The terms for using Her Vitals: information only, not medical advice, how our reviews and affiliate links work, liability and governing law.

Home

Her Vitals: supplement reviews for every life stage Evidence-led supplement reviews for women, from trying to conceive to menopause and beyond. We explain what the evidence supports. Information, not advice.

menopause-symptoms

Breast tenderness in perimenopause and menopause Sore, tender breasts in perimenopause: why fluctuating hormones cause it, the self-care the NHS suggests, and the warning signs that need a GP appointment.
Menopausal hot flushes and night sweats: what helps Hot flushes and night sweats for UK women: what the NHS and NICE say drives them, the steps and medical options that help, and when to see your GP.
Menopause and sleep problems: what helps Why sleep breaks down in perimenopause and menopause, what the NHS and NICE say helps, where supplements fit, and when to see your GP. Information only.
Menopause belly and weight gain: what the evidence says Weight gain around the stomach in perimenopause and menopause: why body composition shifts, what the NHS says helps, and where supplements genuinely fit.
Menopause brain fog and memory: what helps Brain fog, poor concentration and memory changes in perimenopause and menopause: what the evidence says is happening, what helps, and when to see your GP.
Menopause joint and muscle aches: what helps Aching joints and muscles in perimenopause and menopause: what the evidence says about falling oestrogen, the steps that help, and when to see your GP.
Menopause, low mood and anxiety: what helps Low mood, irritability and anxiety in perimenopause and menopause: what the NHS and NICE say, the options to discuss with a GP, and where supplements fit.

questions

Can a GP refuse HRT for a breast cancer family history? A family history of breast cancer is not an automatic bar to HRT under NICE NG23. It is one factor in a shared decision, not a reason to simply refuse.
Can a Mirena coil mask perimenopause? A Mirena coil can make periods lighter or stop them, so it can hide the change in your cycle that often signals perimenopause. Other symptoms continue.
Can I get HRT over the counter? One low-dose vaginal oestrogen, Gina, can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription, after a pharmacist check. Whole-body HRT still needs one.
Can you have perimenopause without hot flushes? Yes, perimenopause can arrive without hot flushes. The NHS lists many symptoms beyond vasomotor ones, and NICE NG23 lets a GP recognise it from cycle changes.
Is irregular bleeding on HRT normal? Unscheduled bleeding is a common side effect in the first few months of HRT or after a dose change. NICE NG23 says to mention it and seek advice if it persists.
Is waking with anxiety at 4am a menopause symptom? Early waking and night-time anxiety can be part of perimenopause and menopause. The NHS lists sleep problems and anxiety among the common symptoms.
My pharmacy is out of my HRT, what now? If your HRT is out of stock, ask the pharmacist about a Serious Shortage Protocol, try other pharmacies, and speak to your GP. Do not simply stop taking it.

printables

GP appointment prep sheet: the HRT conversation A printable GP appointment prep sheet for the HRT conversation: what to record beforehand and the questions to ask, framed around NICE NG23 shared decision-making.
Iron-rich foods list (printable), UK figures A printable iron-rich foods list for women: haem and non-haem foods with milligrams of iron per 100 g from the UK CoFID 2021 dataset, plus absorption tips.
Magnesium-rich foods list (printable), UK figures A printable magnesium-rich foods list: nuts, seeds, wholegrains, beans and greens ranked by magnesium per 100 g from the UK CoFID 2021 dataset, with daily needs.
Menopause questionnaire explained (Greene, MRS) What the Greene Climacteric Scale and Menopause Rating Scale measure, with links to the originals, plus our own neutral symptom record to prepare for your GP.
Menopause symptoms checklist (printable) for your GP A printable menopause symptoms checklist grouped by domain to take to your GP. A conversation aid, not a diagnostic test. Based on NHS and NICE NG23.
Perimenopause symptom tracker (printable, monthly) A printable monthly, cycle-aware perimenopause symptom tracker to spot patterns across the weeks and take to your GP. Printable and CSV. Based on NHS symptoms.
Supplement audit worksheet (printable) with safe limits A printable supplement audit worksheet: list what you take, add up each nutrient across products, and check the total against the NHS or EFSA safe upper limit.

period-health

PMDD vs PMS: how they differ and what to do PMDD vs PMS explained: the cycle-linked pattern that distinguishes them, why symptom tracking matters, and when to see a GP. Information, not diagnosis.

perimenopause-symptoms

Signs perimenopause is ending: the transition to menopause How to tell late perimenopause from menopause: the 12-month rule, how periods and symptoms change near the end, and what to expect after your last period.