Feature: Women’s Health

Beyond HRT, there’s a profusion of natural approaches believed to bring relief to women during the inevitable menopausal stage of life, writes Rose Greenaway.

One of the most promising is fish oil – which new observational research from the University of Leeds reveals could help delay menopause by some years. The study’s data, published in the journal Nutrients, shows that of 3,566 female participants, those who regularly took a fish oil supplement had a ‘dramatically lower risk of early menopause’ – 95% lower, in fact. Scientists believe this is because fish oil works through biological pathways, with omega-3 fatty acids reducing inflammation and potentially protecting the ovaries from oxidative stress. The same study found correlations with vitamin B complex, antioxidant mixtures (vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc) and vitamin C, which lowered women’s chances of early onset menopause by 52%, 46% and 25% respectively.

Why does this matter? Perimenopause and menopause typically occur between the ages of 45-55, with non-white women often experiencing it sooner (South Asian women, for example, are known to hit menopause around five years earlier). When menopause occurs before the age of 45, women face increased risks of serious health conditions (osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes). Yet if it begins after 55 the chances of certain hormone-related cancers increase, making the timing of its arrival pertinent to longevity.

Herbal ally

Whenever perimenopause and menopause do kick in, there’s a hero ingredient on experts’ lips which has been shown to help alleviate symptoms, earning it the reputation in herbal circles as one of the most effective and highly used herbs for women’s health. This is, of course, the powerhouse that’s black cohosh.

Black cohosh is a herb with a ‘long history of traditional use throughout many different branches of herbalism’, according to Heather Saba, herbalist and researcher for Herb Pharm. Key to its popularity is its ability to aid women’s health in a variety of ways, she explains.

“It is unique and important because it has many benefits for supporting women’s health and can be used throughout the different cycles of a woman’s life. Herbalists use black cohosh as a general tonic herb for the female reproductive system,” notes Saba. During the menstrual cycle, black cohosh can help regulate and ease cramping and is a ‘very helpful ally’ when navigating the natural hormonal changes experienced during perimenopause and menopause. “Black cohosh can help ease the overall physical effects that menopause can temporarily cause in the body, such as temperature fluctuations and general irritability,” she says.

It’s why the Oregon-based brand manufactures a dedicated Black Cohosh tincture under its Restoration range, prepared from the rhizome with rootlet (underground stem) of certified organic Actaea racemosa plants. Mindful of the importance of ethical sourcing, and the fact that this precious herb is on the United Plant Savers’ at-risk list, Herb Pharm exclusively uses certified organic black cohosh which has been cultivated in its natural forest habitat.

Rising awareness

Like many herbs, black cohosh has a bitter and aromatic flavour profile, but this doesn’t seem to deter women from exploring its virtues. “As popularity in herbalism continues to rise, especially on social media, we believe that public awareness around the health benefits of black cohosh is growing,” says Saba. “With more women speaking up about how menopause is impacting their lives and what herbs they are turning to for support, black cohosh’s popularity will only continue to grow.”

Comfort and calm

Another brand celebrating black cohosh is Ardun Life, which manufactures the Patchworks Menopause Patch as a ‘natural companion designed to bring comfort and calm during this time of transition’. The convenient patch is applied directly to bare skin for transdermal administration of black cohosh extract to relieve hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings, gotu kola to encourage emotional balance and damiana extract to ease feelings of anxiety.

“As women enter perimenopause the body starts to decrease its production of oestrogen. This hormonal shift can lead to a variety of symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain and discomfort during intimacy,” explains Ardun Life founder Nadine Harrak. “The Patchworks Menopause Patch is carefully designed to assist women during this transition by harnessing a blend of high-phytoestrogen botanicals … recognized for their ability to mimic oestrogen-like effects, aiding in restoring balance, alleviating discomfort and enhancing both emotional and physical wellbeing. Administered transdermally for consistent absorption, the patch provides a convenient and gentle alternative to oral supplements, empowering women to feel naturally in control.”

Embracing the meno-madness

Part of the Buy Women Built collective, KOOKOO came to market to ‘challenge the mid-life narrative’ and brought with it ‘a dash of profanity and a sprinkle of sass’. It’s one of the latest in a string of brands which stand for direct, no-nonsense messaging about causes which stoke their fire – and for KOOKOO founder Megan Kendra Marais the menopause does just that. Creating The MenoMocktail, Marais hoped to offer women a fuss-free tonic to ease their perimenopause and menopause challenges. With pretty packaging, memorable marketing and a carefully curated ingredient list of vitamins, minerals, nootropics and adaptogens, The MenoMocktail targets ‘forgetful, moody and tired AF’ women with a daily red fruit- and lemon-flavoured drink to help them ‘embrace the meno-madness’ and make day-to-day life a little more manageable.

Away from supplements is female-run Gloriah which offers natural intimate care for fluctuating hormones caused by anything from PCOS to perimenopause, with SKUs aimed at tackling vaginal dryness, sleep issues and low mood.

Positioning the products as ‘natural, premium and feel-good’, founders Jessica Watson and Isla Telfer started the business after a friend went through surgical menopause at the age of 25 and the pair were angered by the ‘clinical, outdated, patronizing’ guidance available to her. Looking to drag female health into the 21st century, they decided to begin ‘amplifying the ignored voices’ of women and help anyone experiencing early menopause or suffering from premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, PCOS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder to feel less misrepresented, misunderstood and marginalized. “This is more than a business. It’s a rebellion,” the pair state.

Hero products include Liberation Oil, a luxurious, fragrance-free hydrating oil for use on the vulva during menopause and post-partum recovery, which ‘restores comfort and resilience to your most delicate areas’. For increased skin regeneration and elasticity, the brand turns to key ingredient AlgaPur algae oil, while sweet almond oil is included to lock in moisture and improve the vulva’s texture.

Superfood skin saviour

For a glowing complexion throughout life’s hormonal changes, Green Origins has designed a superfood blend around the popular concept of beauty from within, powered by nutrient-rich natural ingredients. Skin Health Super Fruit Blend supports healthy, radiant skin through four organic ingredients – açai berry, acerola, baobab and lucuma – each chosen for their naturally high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties.

Vitamin C, known to contribute to normal collagen formation, also assists the body’s largest organ by protecting cells from oxidative stress. The brand says the chosen combination of vibrant fruits provides a daily source of natural plant phytonutrients that ‘help maintain overall wellness and vitality, promoting a healthy glow from the inside out’.

“It’s a simple, natural way to support healthy, glowing skin from within through the power of superfoods,” says Devika Krishnan, Green Origins’ NPD manager.

By Rosie Greenaway, editor