Most women will experience menopause at some point in their lives and this happens when our hormones start to change, and we no longer undergo monthly menstrual cycles. Menopause can occur naturally, as a result of surgery or cancer treatment, and genetics also play a role.

Approximately 13 million women in the UK are currently peri or menopausal*.

This accounts for 1/3 of the female population. However, due to a lack of awareness, a lack of training among some medical professionals and social stigma, women's needs during this critical life change are frequently ignored, undervalued, or overlooked.

Here at The Naked Pharmacy, we understand that going through the menopause, is a deeply personal transition and that no two menopause journeys are the same. This is why our promise to you as a woman, is to listen to your individual experience and support you and your journey - your choice.

*NHS England

What exactly is perimenopause and menopause?

Menopause is defined by the absence of having periods due to hormonal imbalances caused when our ovaries reduce the levels of oestrogen (the main female hormone) and progesterone. The average age is typically 51 years old but can begin from the age of 45 to 55 years old. However, this can always vary as our bodies are all unique. Many women may go through early menopause as a result of surgery or cancer treatment.

Perimenopause is the beginning phase of menopause where you may begin to experience the symptoms but not have the total absence of periods. Once your periods have stopped for 12 months, perimenopause is then transitioned into menopause.

Menopause - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

How does menopause affect your body?

Menopause and Perimenopause can cause interference in daily life, including relationships, work and everyday tasks and the severity of symptoms can vary from women to women. In fact, 13 million women in the UK suffer from menopause symptoms.

INFO – menopausesupport.co.uk

As our oestrogen levels deplete it can bring on an array of physical and psychological symptoms. Many women notice a reduced level of energy, mood changes and increased brain fog.

Menopause can also induce health conditions such as high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, weight gain and sugar level imbalance which can lead to type 2 diabetes as well as bone density loss causing osteoporosis and joint pain.

Symptoms of menopause

The NHS lists over 45 symptoms, all of which can cause a complex mix of both physical and mental feelings, each presenting themselves in a unique and unannounced fashion. Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health.

List of perimenopause and menopause symptoms – The menopause charity

It’s not unheard of for menopause to affect your mental health anxiety, low mood and irritability are all common experiences amongst many women. These symptoms are often not spoken about due to the social stigma regarding the subject of mental health. However, at The Naked Pharmacy, we are here to break that stigma.

Our pharmacists want to hear your story, know what you’ve done so far to alleviate your symptoms, what’s worked, what’s not worked – and discover how we can work alongside you to empower you with an alternative option, that might just be that missing thread in your menopausal web!

Book a free consultation with us!

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that many menopausal women rely on. It replaces the hormones with synthetic analogues of the natural oestrogen and progesterone found in our body to balance out the imbalance brought on by the onset of menopause. HRT comes in many formulations, ranging from oral tablets to topical gels, patches and more and it is primarily based on what you feel most comfortable with.

HRT and you: Navigating the hormone highway

HRT has been shown to relieve many menopausal women of many of their symptoms such as hot flushes, low libido, mood disruption and sleep disturbances.

But many women have concerns regarding HRT for several reasons – some women have underlying health issues that deter them from taking HRT or for others, the increased risk of breast, ovarian and womb cancer also plays a factor. It is important to note that the longer the HRT is taken for, the higher the risk.

Many women have also reported side effects of weight gain, migraines and mood swings whilst taking HRT which can be counterproductive as it is their symptoms which are already present during menopause.

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/

Can supplements replace Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Supplements and HRT can complement each other to work effectively in addressing physical and psychological health needs. Combining the two therapies can provide a comprehensive approach to combatting the symptoms of menopause whilst promoting long-term wellness and reducing the risks of health conditions that may arise in the future.

The British Menopause Society identified that 75% of women in the UK have been using supplements as complementary therapy with HRT to help with their symptoms.

Natural supplements are also a great alternative for women who are unable to tolerate HRT or choose not to take it due to an increased risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial cancer and certain cardiovascular conditions, as taking HRT can elevate the risks of unwanted health events from returning or happening.

At The Naked Pharmacy, we believe each woman’s unique journey should be treated as such. We understand that there is a place for conventional HRT alongside natural supplements and you can rest assured that our supplements have gone through standardised research and testing.

Natural supplements to support the menopause

Saffrosun Energy

Saffrosun Energy gives you that extra boost you need for the day. Aiding in mood, hormone imbalances and energy levels. Saffrosun Energy is created using organic Saffron extract sourced from Spain, Vitamin D3 and Iodine.

Our Saffron extract is formulated with three derivatives which play a key role in balancing your nervous system which demonstrates improvements in sleep quality, energy mood and brain fog.

Vitamin D3 sourced from marine algae will provide protection against bone loss density therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Iodine plays a key role in many metabolic processes surrounding thyroid function which aids in energy levels and reducing fatigue

Saffrosun Calm

Saffrosun Calm contains Vitamin B12, replacing the Iodine that is found in Saffrosun Energy. Vitamin B12 has a positive impact on overall energy, combatting fatigue whilst regulating the sleep cycle to improve the quality of sleep, as well as keeping the nervous system healthy.

A 2021 study based on 82 participants taking saffron with the three main derivatives, showed a rise in mood and psychological symptoms associated with menopausal symptoms. The improvements were of similar effect to a standard antidepressant but with a significantly reduced number of side effects.

Worth its weight in gold

Oestrogen has a protective effect on the heart. During menopause oestrogen levels deplete and as they deplete the risk of heart disease can increase. As well as unhealthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight can increase along with sugar levels imbalance.

Menopause and heart and circulatory conditions - BHF

So, what can you do to help?

Metabolic Gold

Metabolic Gold is made with Artichoke Leaf extract and Citrus Bergamot which have been scientifically proven to target many vital organs in the body, such as the liver, pancreas and the heart. There are 4 active ingredients within the bergamot fruit which work on lowering levels of bad cholesterol and expelling fats before it is absorbed into our bloodstream, this can result in a reduction in fat stored particularly towards the waist.

Artichoke is an effective antioxidant and works hand in hand with Bergamot to stimulate cholesterol-reducing agents which can prevent the risk of heart disease in the future.

Stronger bones, stronger you

Osteoporosis is a condition when our bone density is very low and occurs due to lowered levels of oestrogen, and it’s vital we keep our bones healthy to prevent fractures in the future.

Menopause and Bone Loss | Endocrine Society

Marine Magnesium

Magnesium is often overlooked in our diets and many of us aren’t consuming it enough daily, however, it can be vital for our health.

Magnesium is one of the seven essential microminerals our body requires. It plays an important role in our metabolic processes, it promotes mood stability, reduces stress reduces the frequency of migraines and improves heart health. Magnesium also aids in maintaining healthy bone density and therefore has properties in preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures.

EPIC-Norfolk cohort study showed that low serum magnesium levels were associated with an increased risk of fractures in the spine, hips and wrist. The study concluded significance of healthy serum magnesium levels for the maintenance of bone health

An update on magnesium and bone health | BioMetals (springer.com)

Vitamin D3

Did you know that approximately 70% of women, around the world, who have gone through menopause are vitamin D deficient?

Our Vitamin D3 supplements equal up to 100% of the daily intake of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 works synergistically with the calcium in our bodies to build strong and healthy bones.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Widespread Effects in Postmenopausal Women (pharmacytimes.com)

Speak to our expert pharmacists today

A key element of our vision is accessibility to our expert advice service; allowing customers to make a personalised and considered decision when it comes to their health. 

Our pharmacists are on hand Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Book your free consultation today! Book Now!

Sophia Gurung

Sophia is GPhC registered pharmacist with experience in community pharmacy, along with a background in teaching children with ADHD and autism. Her passion for natural medicines has been deeply rooted since childhood, where she learned to appreciate the healing power of nature and the importance of holistic well-being. 

It's no secret that tech billionaires are spending fortunes to extend their lifespans, investing in cutting-edge research and experimental treatments.

However, you don’t need a billionaire’s bank account to unlock the secrets of a longer, healthier life.

Enter biohacking: a cutting-edge method of optimising both mind and body by harnessing the power of biology, technology, and self-experimentation, biohacking offers personalised strategies for peak performance.

Biohacking is becoming more widely known, with focus shifting from extending life to enhancing its quality. True longevity transcends the boundaries of physical health; it embraces mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Achieving this holistic state of vitality demands a multifaceted approach—one that seamlessly integrates diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies.

Below, we explore some of the latest biohacking techniques that can be woven into your daily routine, to make significant improvements in your health metrics (scientific test measures).

Sauna bathing

Sauna bathing has been used for centuries and originated from Finland for relaxation and now, research suggests that saunas are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol.

Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review - PMC (nih.gov)

For the best results of this biohack, aim for a temperature range of 175-195F (80-90C) with 10-20% humidity for a total of 30 minutes (no longer!) and complete three sessions a week. To see if sauna bathing is working for you, you’re going to want to measure blood markers of heart health such as cholesterol and markers of inflammation such as C-Reactive protein (CRP).

Cold exposure – The Wim Hof method

You might know of Wim Hof, often referred to as "The Iceman," a Dutch extreme athlete known for his extraordinary ability to withstand cold. He has gained widespread recognition for his method, known as the "Wim Hof Method," which combines breathing techniques, cold exposure, and meditation to improve physical and mental health. Cold exposure, a key component of the Wim Hof Method, involves subjecting the body to cold environments to elicit various physiological and psychological benefits. This practice can be considered a form of biohacking, as it leverages environmental stressors to optimise the body's functioning and performance. Cold exposure is a controlled stressor that triggers adaptive responses that improve the body's ability to handle future stress.

How to practice cold exposure therapy:

Cold showers: Starting with warm water and gradually reducing the temperature to cold.

Ice baths: Immersing the body in ice-cold water for short durations.

Benefits of cold exposure

Improved circulation: Alternating between cold and warm exposure can improve blood flow and cardiovascular health by strengthening blood vessels.

Enhanced immune function: Cold exposure has been shown to boost the production of white blood cells and increase overall immune function.

Increased brown fat activation: Cold exposure stimulates the production of brown adipose tissue (brown fat), which burns energy to produce heat and can aid in weight management.

Reduced inflammation: Cold exposure can reduce inflammatory responses in the body, potentially alleviating chronic pain and speeding up recovery from injuries.

Enhanced mood and mental clarity: The release of endorphins and norepinephrine during cold exposure can improve mood, increase alertness, and reduce symptoms of depression.

Brain games

There’s research that indicates that playing brain games like sudoku, crosswords, chess or scrabble can help improve cognitive abilities as you age, and there’s a correlation between declining cognition and increased mortality. Combatting the effects of ageing is a common goal for biohackers. Learning something new such as a game, language or hobby can help support neural pathways from decline and improve cognitive processing.

Cognitive Enhancement:

Adaptogens: Adaptogens are natural substances, typically derived from plants, that are believed to help the body adapt to stress, improve resilience, and restore balance. These substances are used in herbal medicine and are often included in supplements or functional foods. Adaptogens are said to work by supporting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis, especially during periods of physical or mental stress.

Examples include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Ginseng.

Nootropics: Often called "smart drugs," or cognitive enhancers. They are substances that aim to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.

Natural nootropics like ginkgo biloba, and mushrooms are popular for their cognitive benefits.

The Key Differences between Adaptogens and Nootropics:

There can be some overlap, as certain adaptogens such as Rhodiola may also have mild nootropic effects by improving mental clarity and cognitive function indirectly through stress reduction and improved brain circulation.

Blood tests

Blood tests are considered a form of biohacking because they provide detailed insights into an individual's internal health and physiology, enabling more precise and personalised optimisation of diet, lifestyle, and supplementation. In biohacking, the goal is to enhance physical and mental performance, health, and well-being by making data-driven decisions. They also allow you to track progress and fine-tune your interventions to avoid the need for guesswork.

Nutrigenomics

Have you ever wondered why some people react differently to certain foods? Nutrigenomics is the scientific study of the interaction between nutrition and genes, with the goal of understanding how specific nutrients affect gene expression and overall health. By examining the genetic variations that influence individual responses to different foods and dietary patterns, nutrigenomics aims to provide personalised dietary recommendations to optimise health and prevent chronic diseases.

This field holds significant potential for promoting longevity by identifying the optimal diet for everyone based on their unique genetic makeup. By tailoring nutritional interventions to your genetic profile, it is possible to enhance metabolic efficiency, reduce the risk of age-related diseases, and improve your overall health span. 

Sleep

Sleep is the simplest biohack we can incorporate into our lives, however, with commitments, stress and worry, it can be hard to utilise. We all sleep but we don’t always sleep well.

Quality sleep is linked to improved blood sugar control and reduced stress. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is associated with increased inflammation, impaired immunity, and a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Because of its significant role in health and disease prevention, sleep has become a key target for biohackers. And now, you don’t have to guess how well you’re sleeping. Wearable devices like Whoop, Oura Ring, Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin smartwatches can easily track sleep data like sleep duration and time spent in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

A complete sleep cycle consists of all stages and REM sleep, typically lasting about 90-110 minutes. Throughout the night, individuals go through multiple cycles, with each subsequent cycle having a longer duration of REM sleep.

Natural Remedies such as Magnesium, chamomile, and lavender are well known for their calming effects and can help improve sleep quality.

Controversial biohacking

More controversial interventions have been explored by some well-known billionaires, experimenting with physical modifications to the body, such as implanting chips, magnets, or other devices to enhance physical and mental capabilities or integrate technology more closely with the human body.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is primarily known for his ventures in technology and space exploration, but he has also ventured into the biohacking space, particularly through his involvement with Neuralink. Founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink aims to develop advanced brain-machine interface (BMI) technology.

The goal is to create devices that can be implanted in the brain to facilitate direct communication between the brain and computers. The technology is intended to help people with neurological disorders, enhance cognitive abilities, and even enable symbiotic relationships between humans and artificial intelligence. In 2020,

DIY gene therapy

Another intervention is gene therapy is one of the newer forms of biohacking using something called CRISPR. This stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and it is being used to alter genes, predominantly to alter their physical features to their own tastes. Alternatively, this could be used to edit genes which are known to cause disease, however altering genes is a risky process, and the slightest error can be catastrophic.

Bryan Johnson

Then there is Bryan Johnson, 46-year-old the tech entrepreneur trying to live forever with several different hacks in place calling his mission Project Blueprint. He has 30 doctors at his disposal and spends $2 million dollars a year on his anti-aging lifestyle. This includes 30+ supplements every day, a rigid 1-hour exercise regime daily and strict vegan diet. Johnson revealed in 2023 that he’s injected himself with his 17-year-old teenage son’s blood to help keep him young. The goal is to get his 46-year-old organs to look and act like 18-year-old organs. Johnson says the data compiled by his doctors suggests that Blueprint has so far given him the bones of a 30-year-old, and the heart of a 37-year-old.

How do these futurist interventions make you feel? Do you think it is a great advancement in healthcare technology or a scary future that has crossed a moral line?

How do I choose which biohacking techniques to try?

Describe the problem you want to address

Using observations about your current health status and where you would like your health and wellness to go, identify a problem area you want to address.
For example, a problem could be, “My cholesterol is high. I want to improve my cholesterol levels.”

Create a hypothesis

Now it’s time to figure out what diet, lifestyle, exercise, or supplement interventions may be suitable to address your defined problem. This step requires some research. After some digging, select an intervention and make a hypothesis on how it will impact your health. Going off the cholesterol example, an example of a hypothesis for that problem could be, “Based on research, I predict that if I take Metabolic Gold for four months, my cholesterol will go down.”

Get a baseline measure

To know whether an intervention was successful, you need to know where you started. It’s important to get a baseline measure of the outcome you’re wanting to improve before taking steps to improve it. If you want to lower your cholesterol, you need to figure out what your baseline cholesterol is. This can be done by getting a blood test to find out your total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels.

Test the hypothesis

Now you’re ready to implement the intervention! If you’re testing out Metabolic Gold, you need to include it in your daily routine. You could set reminders on your phone to alert you initially to consolidate the new behaviour.

Evaluate and measure results

The only way to tell if the intervention is working is to measure it! Compare the data you collected before beginning the intervention to your new set of results to see the true change.

Refine the biohack

If the intervention or biohack you implemented worked, great! You can either refine it or keep going and try for greater improvements. Or you can try out a completely different biohack. Introducing one intervention at a time can help pinpoint what works and doesn’t work for you.

Charlotte Parker- Lennox 

Charlotte is a pharmacist with 6 years of experience working in retail pharmacy and integrated urgent care (IUC) alongside nurses, paramedics and doctors. She has changed the direction of her career to support people with a holistic approach to wellness by treating the root cause of your health concerns. She enjoys an outdoor challenge, completing marathons and cycling adventures around the UK.

Do you know your current BMI, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, or blood pressure? These numbers are more than just figures—they are vital indicators of your overall health.

Shockingly, over 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. Without awareness of these critical health markers, you could unknowingly be at risk for serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes.

Every day, 350 people in the UK suffer from a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented. By knowing your numbers and understanding what’s happening inside your body, you can take steps to prevent these life-threatening conditions from developing.

What health indicators do I need to know?

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It's a vital sign that provides important information about cardiovascular health. Blood pressure is typically measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers:

Systolic pressure: The top number represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood.

Diastolic pressure: The bottom number indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Gold standard:120/80 mm Hg

If it’s too high (more than 140/90) your heart works harder. High blood pressure can damage your arteries over time which disrupts proper blood flow to your heart or brain and can trigger a heart attack or stroke. 

Cholesterol and blood lipids

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. It is essential for building healthy cells and producing hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol is carried through your bloodstream by proteins, forming a structure known as a lipoprotein. There are two main types of cholesterol:

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow and harden them. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

In addition to these, there are other types of lipids, such as triglycerides, which are another form of fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can also contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries.

Gold standard

• Total blood cholesterol lower than 5mmol/L
• LDL cholesterol less than 3mmol/L
• HDL cholesterol greater than 1mmol/L
• Triglycerides – should be under 2.3mmol/L

BMI – Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from height and weight. BMI helps to assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight, underweight, overweight, or obesity, which can indicate potential health risks.

BMI = Height (m)2 / Weight (kg)

Gold Standard: 18.5-24.9

BMI is a useful tool but has its limitations as it doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat or fat distribution. Athletes for example often have a higher proportion of muscle compared to fat which weighs more but is metabolically beneficial. Therefore, other techniques might be necessary to gauge potential health risks related to body weight.

A high waist circumference or body fat percentage is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.

Blood glucose

Blood glucose, commonly referred to as blood sugar, is the amount of glucose (a type of sugar) present in the blood. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells, and it comes from the food we eat particularly carbohydrates. After eating, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

How blood glucose is regulated:

The level of glucose in the blood is regulated by the body to ensure that cells have a steady supply of energy. Two key hormones produced by the pancreas play a vital role in this regulation.

Insulin: This hormone lowers blood glucose levels by helping glucose enter the cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.

Glucagon: When blood glucose levels are too low, glucagon signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.

Gold standard:

• Fasted (not eaten for 8-12 hours) – 4 to 5.9mmol/L
• Postprandial (90 minutes after eating) - under 7.8mmol/L

When this process goes awry, glucose builds up in the blood. Extra sugar in your bloodstream is a sign of diabetes, a disease that can harm the organs in your body, while also damaging nerves and blood vessels.

How to find out what your vital health indicators are?

Blood pressure

There are many ways you can check your blood pressure. You can go to your local pharmacy for a free blood pressure check, call your GP surgery or take it yourself at home with a blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure monitors can be bought from pharmacies, big retailers and online.

Cholesterol

To find out your cholesterol levels you will need to get a blood test done. This can be done via the NHS if you are over 40 or your GP has a concern regarding your cholesterol levels, or it can be done privately through companies such as Nuffield Health or BUPA. If you don’t have the financial capacity to go privately then there is a cheaper option. In many pharmacies cholesterol testing kits are available to buy for around £10-15, these aren’t going to be as accurate but will give you a rough idea of what your total cholesterol levels are.

BMI/Waist circumference/Body fat

Calculating your BMI requires a scale, a measuring tape and a BMI calculator online. Input the data and voila! To measure waist circumference, wrap a tape measure around your abdomen at the level of your navel. To determine your body fat percentage there are now smart scales which use electrical impulses that pass through the body to determine your body fat percentage and often link up to an app on your phone. Callipers are also another way to determine body fat percentage, however, this can be less accurate and difficult to do.

Blood glucose

Blood glucose levels can be established through a blood test done in a healthcare setting, a finger prick test which can be bought from pharmacies, or a blood glucose monitor that is attached to your upper arm and links to your phone to give you real-time data, such as the Freestyle Libre Sensor which can be bought online. To test fasting blood glucose level don’t eat for 8-12 hours before testing. For post-prandial blood glucose levels, test 90 minutes after eating.

How can each area be improved? 

Improving blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and blood glucose levels involves adopting a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and regular physical activity. Here are some specific strategies to help improve each of these health indicators followed by changes that can improve all the health indicators.

Improving blood pressure

Improving cholesterol levels

Improving BMI

Improving blood glucose levels

Overall tips to improve all health indicators

• Follow a healthy Mediterranean diet.
• Engage in regular exercise - Including both aerobic exercise and strength training.
• Weight management
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Stress management – Journalling, meditation, yoga, therapy.
• Sleep – 7 to 9 hours a night.

Additional health indicators that are good to know

Resting Heart Rate (RHR)

RHR is the number of heart beats per minute while at rest. It is a good indicator of overall cardiovascular fitness. A lower RHR often indicates better cardiovascular condition.

Gold standard: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm) (Adults)

Vitamin D levels

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Gold standard: 20–50 ng/mL (Some experts suggest higher, up to 60 ng/mL)

Bone density (T-score)

Low bone density can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures.

Gold standard: T-score > -1.0 (Normal)

Kidney function (eGFR)

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) indicates how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Poor kidney function can lead to chronic kidney disease.

Gold Standard: eGFR: ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m² (Normal)

Thyroid function (TSH/T4/T3)

The thyroid helps regulate the body’s metabolism, growth, mood and hormonal balance. If these hormones are too high or too low this can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from constipation to diarrhoea or weight gain to weight loss. 

VO2 Max

The maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilise during intense exercise. VO2 max is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

Gold standard: Varies by age and gender but higher numbers indicate better fitness.

Typical VO2 Max fitness scores for men by age group:

Typical VO2 Max fitness scores for women by age group:

Speak to our expert pharmacists today

A key element of our vision is accessibility to our expert advice service; allowing customers to make a personalised and considered decision when it comes to their health. 

Our pharmacists are on hand Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm. Book your free consultation today! Book Now!

Charlotte Parker-Lennox 

Charlotte is a pharmacist with 6 years of experience working in retail pharmacy and integrated urgent care (IUC) alongside nurses, paramedics and doctors. She has changed the direction of her career to support people with a holistic approach to wellness by treating the root cause of your health concerns. She enjoys an outdoor challenge, completing marathons and cycling adventures around the UK.