From puberty to menopause: understanding and supporting every phase of a woman's life.

Journal · Cellular Longevity

From Puberty to Menopause: Understanding and Supporting Each Phase of a Woman's Life

The female body changes throughout life. So do its needs. Hormonal analysis and documented active ingredients, from adolescence to post-menopause.

Female hormones: an orchestra in perpetual motion

Estrogens, progesterone, LH, FSH, prolactin… Female hormonal balance is one of the most complex and sensitive biological systems in the human body. It is established at puberty, orchestrates fertility during reproductive years, and then profoundly reconfigures itself at menopause.

What distinguishes female health is this cyclical and evolutionary dimension: the body's needs are not the same at 15, 30, or 55 years old. And imbalances, menstrual pain, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, hair loss, are often the signal of a hormonal system seeking a new balance.

There are natural active ingredients whose mechanisms of action are now precisely documented. Phytoestrogens, magnesium, adaptogenic plants, hyaluronic acid… Each life phase has its tools.

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Phase 1 · Puberty: when hormones take control

Puberty marks the beginning of cyclic hormonal life. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis activates, estrogen secretion gradually increases, and with it come the first periods, and often the first imbalances.

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) affects up to 90% of adolescents. It is linked to an overproduction of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the endometrium during menstruation. In addition, there are irregular cycles during the first years, hormonal acne, mood swings, and often underestimated fatigue.

Magnesium plays a central role during this period: it contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, and is involved in regulating neuromuscular excitability and modulating the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. A deficiency, common in adolescents, frequently accompanies cramps, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Magnesium also helps reduce fatigue.

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Phase 2 · Reproductive years: navigating with the cycle

From 18 to 40, the menstrual cycle structures a woman's daily life, often without her fully realizing it. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone influence mood, energy, libido, sleep quality, appetite, and even cognition.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 75% of women of childbearing age. It manifests in the 7 to 14 days before menstruation with a set of symptoms: bloating, mastodynia (breast tenderness), irritability, anxiety, mild insomnia, directly linked to progesterone fluctuations and their effect on serotonergic neurotransmission.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), a key active ingredient in Women Harmony, is extensively studied: authors describe dopaminergic modulation and report, in their work, changes in prolactin levels, often high in severe PMS. Chinese angelica (Dong Quai), found in Serenity Flow, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for female hormonal balance.

Iron, lactoferrin and cyclical fatigue

An often-overlooked point: menstrual bleeding is the leading cause of iron deficiency in women of childbearing age. Iron helps reduce fatigue and contributes to normal cognitive function.

Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein naturally present in breast milk and secretions, plays a unique role in iron metabolism: available studies describe not an additional iron intake, but an action on its transport and bioavailability, as well as a role in mucous membranes and innate immunity. Lactoferrin Active+ provides 475 mg of pure Proferrin® lactoferrin, without classic iron supplementation.

“The menstrual cycle is not a constraint. It is a window into the internal health status of the female body.”

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Phase 3 · Perimenopause: the invisible transition

Perimenopause typically begins at 45 years old, sometimes as early as 40, and lasts 5 to 10 years before the final period. It is a period of intense and unpredictable hormonal fluctuations: estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate erratically before gradually declining.

These variations affect the entire central nervous system. Hot flashes, which affect 3 out of 4 women, are caused by a dysregulation of the hypothalamic thermoregulation centers due to falling estrogen levels. Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings) often appear even before official menopause.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), found in Women Harmony, is one of the most studied plants in the context of hot flashes; published works describe an action on central estrogen receptors. Melatonin in Deep Sleep is involved in synchronizing circadian rhythms, which are disrupted by hormonal variations.

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Phase 4 · Menopause and beyond: a new chapter to support

Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without periods, on average at 51 years old. The definitive drop in estrogen triggers a cascade of biological adaptations: skin and mucosal dryness (reduction of hyaluronic acid stores), accelerated bone loss, changes in lipid metabolism, and increased cardiovascular risk.

The skin loses up to 30% of its collagen within 5 years of menopause, and a significant portion of its hyaluronic acid stores. Mucous membranes (vaginal, urinary) become dry. Hair thins. These manifestations are directly linked to the drop in estrogen, which stimulated the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sebum.

It is during this period that the combined action of cellular beauty formulas (Power Hydra Flow, Skin Longevity, Hair & Nail Regenesis) and antioxidant active ingredients (Antioxidant Defense, Vital Flow) is often considered: these formulas provide hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidant active ingredients, and their vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, zinc, selenium) contribute to normal collagen formation and cell protection against oxidative stress.

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Nine formulas, an integrated approach at every stage

The BIOLOGYST range offers several formulas with active ingredients particularly relevant to women's health: from adolescence to post-menopause. Each targets specific biological mechanisms, documented by research. Details of the patented active ingredients can be found in the Active Ingredients file.

Hormonal balance, stress and sleep

N° 17 · Women Harmony: capsules, 2-4 per day

Phases: all phases. Key ingredients: Vitex (chasteberry), cimicifuga, hops, curcumin, lady's mantle.

Formula built around plant-based active ingredients traditionally associated with female balance: available literature describes an action of these plants on central estrogen receptors and on the dopaminergic-prolactin axis, and studies are conducted in the context of premenstrual syndrome and hot flashes. See Women Harmony →

N° 04 · Magnesium Active+: stick, 1 per evening

Phases: puberty, reproductive years, perimenopause. Key ingredients: 3 forms of magnesium, vitamin D3, acacia fibers.

Magnesium helps reduce fatigue, contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function. Vitamin D3 contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function, as well as to the normal functioning of the immune system. See Magnesium Active+ →

N° 15 · Serenity Flow: capsules, 2-3 per evening

Phases: reproductive years, perimenopause. Key ingredients: Griffonia 5-HTP, GABA, Chinese angelica, chamomile.

Formula designed for moments of tension in the cycle and the evening ritual. Its active ingredients are documented for their involvement in serotonergic and GABAergic neurotransmission; authors describe these pathways, but no health claims are currently authorized for these ingredients. See Serenity Flow →

N° 16 · Deep Sleep: spray, 3-6 sprays per evening

Phases: perimenopause, menopause. Key ingredients: melatonin 1.8 mg, valerian, passionflower, California poppy.

Designed for the bedtime ritual. Melatonin helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep; it is involved in the synchronization of circadian rhythms. The associated plants (valerian, passionflower, California poppy) are described in traditional literature, with no health claims authorized to date. See Deep Sleep →

Cellular beauty, iron and antioxidant protection

N° 13 · Antioxidant Defense: capsules, 2-3 per day

Phases: reproductive years, menopause. Key ingredients: ExceptionHYAL® 218 mg, Setria® glutathione, quercetin.

Very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid combined with antioxidant active ingredients. The vitamin C in the formula contributes to normal collagen formation and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. See Antioxidant Defense →

N° 06 · Power Hydra Flow: stick, 1 per morning

Phases: menopause and after. Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid 100 mg ExceptionHYAL®, OVODERM®, aloe vera, vitamin C.

Formula providing hyaluronic acid and OVODERM® (egg membrane), during a phase where the body's hyaluronic acid stores decrease. These active ingredients are the subject of studies that describe their mechanism at the skin and joint level; no health claims are currently authorized for hyaluronic acid or egg membrane. The vitamin C in the formula contributes to normal collagen formation for normal skin function. See Power Hydra Flow →

N° 07 · Skin Longevity: capsules, 1-2 per day

Phases: all, especially menopause. Key ingredients: Lipowheat™ ceramides, evening primrose (GLA), burdock, zinc.

Formula providing plant ceramides (Lipowheat™) and evening primrose oil, studied for their described role in the lipid structure of the skin, with no health claims authorized to date for these active ingredients. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. See Skin Longevity →

N° 05 · Hair & Nail Regenesis: capsules, 3 per day

Phases: menopause and after. Key ingredients: Cynatine® HNS, L-cysteine, silicon, zinc, selenium.

Formula providing solubilized keratin (Cynatine® HNS) and L-cysteine, whose studies describe their role in the composition of hair fiber and nails: with no health claims authorized to date for keratin. Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair and nails. See Hair & Nail Regenesis →

N° 09 · Lactoferrin Active+: capsules, 1-2 per day on an empty stomach

Phases: reproductive years, all phases. Key ingredient: Proferrin® lactoferrin 475 mg pure, high bioavailability.

Available studies on lactoferrin describe an action on iron transport, as well as a role in mucous membranes and innate immunity. No health claims are currently authorized for lactoferrin. See Lactoferrin Active+ →

Discover the entire BIOLOGYST range

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does perimenopause begin?

Perimenopause begins on average at 45, sometimes as early as 40, and lasts 5 to 10 years before the last period. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without periods, on average at 51.

How many women are affected by premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome affects 75% of women of childbearing age. It manifests 7 to 14 days before menstruation: bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, anxiety, mild insomnia.

Why does skin change during menopause?

Skin loses up to 30% of its collagen within 5 years of menopause, as well as part of its hyaluronic acid stores. The drop in estrogen, which stimulated the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sebum, is the direct cause.

Which BIOLOGYST formulas for perimenopause?

Women Harmony (cimicifuga, chasteberry) is formulated for all hormonal phases, and Deep Sleep provides melatonin (1.8 mg), which helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Magnesium Active+ completes the approach: magnesium helps reduce fatigue and contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Serenity Flow accompanies the evening ritual.

Are these formulas compatible with pregnancy?

No: the majority of BIOLOGYST formulas are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the exception of Lactoferrin Active+. Consult your doctor or midwife before any supplementation. Other analyses are available in the BIOLOGYST Journal.