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

Journal · Cellular longevity

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

The female body changes throughout life. So do its needs. A look at hormones and documented ingredients, from adolescence to post-menopause.

Female hormones: an orchestra in constant motion

Oestrogens, 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 the reproductive years, then reconfigures profoundly at menopause.

What sets women's health apart is this cyclical and changing dimension: the body's needs are not the same at 15, 30 or 55. And imbalances, period pain, tiredness, hot flushes, sleep problems, hair loss, are often the signal of a hormonal system looking for a new balance.

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

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Phase 1 · Puberty: when hormones take control

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

Dysmenorrhoea (period pain) affects up to 90% of adolescent girls. It is linked to an overproduction of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the endometrium during periods. Added to this are irregular cycles in the first years, hormonal acne, mood swings and often underestimated tiredness.

Magnesium plays a central role during this period: it contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal muscle function, and is involved in regulating neuromuscular excitability and in modulating the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. A shortfall, which is common in adolescent girls, often goes hand in hand with cramps, irritability and sleep problems. Magnesium also contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

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Phase 2 · The reproductive years: living with the cycle

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

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

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), the flagship ingredient of Women Harmony, is the subject of an extensive literature: the authors describe a dopaminergic modulation and report, in their research, a change in prolactin levels, which are often high in severe PMS. Chinese angelica (Dong Quai), found in Serenity Flow, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in the context of female hormonal balance.

Iron, lactoferrin and cyclical tiredness

An often overlooked point: menstrual losses are the main cause of iron deficiency in women of childbearing age. Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal cognitive function.

Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein naturally present in breast milk and secretions, is involved in iron metabolism in a unique way: the available research describes not an additional supply of iron, but an action on its transport and bioavailability. Lactoferrine Active+ provides 475 mg of pure Proferrin® lactoferrin, without conventional iron supplementation.

“The menstrual cycle is not a constraint. It is a window on the inner health of the female body.”

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Phase 3 · Perimenopause: the invisible transition

Perimenopause begins on average at 45, sometimes as early as 40, and lasts 5 to 10 years before the last period. It is a period of intense and unpredictable hormonal fluctuations: oestrogen and progesterone levels vary erratically before gradually declining.

These variations affect the entire central nervous system. Hot flushes, which affect 3 women in 4, are caused by a dysregulation of the hypothalamic thermoregulation centres as oestrogens fall. Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, night waking) often appear even before menopause is officially reached.

Cimicifuga (black cohosh), found in Women Harmony, is one of the most studied plants in the context of hot flushes; published research describes an action on central oestrogen receptors. The melatonin in Deep Sleep is involved in synchronising 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 a period: on average at 51. The definitive fall in oestrogens triggers a cascade of biological adaptations: dryness of the skin and mucous membranes (reduced hyaluronic acid stores), accelerated bone loss, changes in lipid metabolism and an increased cardiovascular risk.

The skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in the 5 years following menopause, and a significant part of its hyaluronic acid stores. Mucous membranes (vaginal, urinary) become drier. Hair becomes finer. These manifestations are directly linked to the fall in oestrogens, 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 ingredients (Antioxidant Defense, Vital Flow) is often considered: these formulas provide hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidant ingredients, and their vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, zinc, selenium) contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, with vitamin C also contributing to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.

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Nine formulas, an integrated approach at every phase

The BIOLOGYST range offers several formulas whose ingredients are particularly relevant to women's health, from adolescence to post-menopause. Each one targets precise biological mechanisms documented by research. Details of the patented ingredients can be found in the Active Ingredients section.

Hormonal balance, stress and sleep

No. 17 · Women Harmony: capsules, 1 to 2 a day

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

A formula built around plant ingredients traditionally associated with female balance: for these plants, the available literature describes an action on central oestrogen receptors and on the dopamine-prolactin axis, and studies are carried out in the context of premenstrual syndrome and hot flushes. See Women Harmony →

No. 04 · Magnesium Active+: stick, 1 each evening

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

Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal muscle function. Vitamin D3 contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, to the maintenance of normal muscle function and to the normal function of the immune system. See Magnesium Active+ →

No. 15 · Serenity Flow: capsules, 3 in the evening

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

A formula designed for the tense moments of the cycle and the evening ritual. Its ingredients are documented for their involvement in serotonin and GABA neurotransmission; the authors describe these pathways, although no health claims are currently authorised for these ingredients. See Serenity Flow →

No. 16 · Deep Sleep: spray, 5 sprays in the evening

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

Designed for the bedtime ritual. Melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep; it is involved in synchronising circadian rhythms. The associated plants (valerian, passionflower, California poppy) are described in the traditional literature, with no health claim authorised to date. See Deep Sleep →

Cellular beauty, iron and antioxidant protection

No. 13 · Antioxidant Defense: capsules, 2 to 3 a day

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

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

No. 06 · Power Hydra Flow: stick, 1 each morning

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

A formula providing hyaluronic acid and OVODERM® (eggshell membrane), at a stage when the body's hyaluronic acid stores decline. These ingredients are the subject of studies describing their mechanism in the skin and joints; no health claim is currently authorised for hyaluronic acid or eggshell membrane. The vitamin C in the formula contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. See Power Hydra Flow →

No. 07 · Skin Longevity: capsules, 2 a day

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

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

No. 05 · Hair & Nail Regenesis: capsules, 3 a day

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

A formula providing solubilised keratin (Cynatine® HNS) and L-cysteine, whose role in the composition of the hair fibre and the nail is described in studies, with no health claim currently authorised for keratin. Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair and normal nails. See Hair & Nail Regenesis →

No. 09 · Lactoferrine Active+: capsules, 1 to 2 in the morning

Phases: reproductive years, all phases. Key ingredient: Proferrin® 500 mg per 2 capsules, including 475 mg of pure lactoferrin.

The available research on lactoferrin describes an action on iron transport. No health claim is currently authorised for lactoferrin. See Lactoferrine Active+ →

Discover the full 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 a period, on average at 51.

How many women are affected by premenstrual syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome affects 75% of women of childbearing age. It appears in the 7 to 14 days before a period: bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, anxiety, mild insomnia.

Why does the skin change at menopause?

The skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in the 5 years following menopause, as well as part of its hyaluronic acid stores. The fall in oestrogens, 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 contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep. Magnesium Active+ completes the approach: magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal functioning of the nervous system. Serenity Flow accompanies the evening ritual.

Are these formulas compatible with pregnancy?

No: BIOLOGYST formulas are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including Lactoferrine Active+. Consult your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement. More analyses are available in the BIOLOGYST Journal.