Hey friend,

In today’s episode, we’re continuing a vital conversation about the efficacy and safety of supplements.

Supplements can be a real game-changer when it comes to our hormonal health, especially for those of us who want to balance our hormones without HRT or hormonal birth control....Or who don’t want to take prescription medication like sleeping pills, SSRIs, or anti-depressants to help ease certain perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

But there’s a dark side to supplements because they can be dangerous–fatal even.

Of the estimated 4,000 supplement manufacturers worldwide, the vast majority test for zero contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals, mold, bacteria, steroids, and even prescription drugs! And a recent Harvard study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that two-thirds of all FDA-recalled dietary supplements analyzed still contained banned substances at least 6 months after being recalled!!

So how do you really know what's in your supplements and vitamins? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 warning signs your supplement may be a scam, including:

- The hidden dangers of proprietary blend supplements

- Quality control issues with gummies vitamins

- Checks and balances of 3rd party testing

- Social proof or scam?: Positive supplement reviews

- "Pretty" toxins in vitamins

- And supplement purity standards

Plus, you'll learn three things to look for to ensure you are taking quality supplements and what you need to know about 3rd party testing of supplement brands by the USP United States Pharmacopeia, NSF National Sanitation Foundation, and Consumer Labs Reviews.

If you or anyone in your family take vitamins, probiotics, or herbal supplements (that includes gummies, too), don’t miss this episode!

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Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hor mones/id1736009810

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

Third-Party Supplement Testing Resources:

United States Pharmacopeia (USP)

https://www.quality-supplements.org/usp_verified_products

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)

https://info.nsf.org/Certified/dietary/

Consumer Lab

https://www.consumerlab.com/join/?cltrkid=HomepageHero

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast:

https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

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*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.