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The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI): understanding hormone therapy & menopause
In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) dramatically changed how doctors and women thought about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known more recently as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).
Shatavari extract (SRI-81) for perimenopause & menopause
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb long used to support female reproductive health. Often called the ‘Queen of Herbs’, it has historically been used to help women maintain hormonal balance and vitality during periods of hormonal change such as perimenopause and menopause. Modern research is now investigating standardised extracts such as SRI‑81 to better understand their potential role in supporting women during the menopause transition.
Rhapontic Rhubarb Extract (ERr 731) for menopause symptom relief
ERr 731 is a standardised extract taken from the root of Rheum rhaponticum, also known as rhapontic rhubarb or Siberian rhubarb. It is a non‑hormonal, plant‑based option used to help relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly during perimenopause and early postmenopause. Unlike conventional menopausal hormone therapy, ERr 731 does not supply hormones.
Hormone balance with Chaste tree (Vitex agnus‑castus)
Vitex has been traditionally used for centuries to support female hormonal health and may help ease symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disturbances.
Ashwagandha (KSM‑66®) & the Menopause Transition Bridge Method™
Supporting women through the menopause transition involves addressing symptoms while also helping the body adapt to the underlying hormonal changes. One natural medicine gaining attention in clinical research is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), particularly a standardised root extract known as KSM‑66®.
Saffron (affron®) natural support for emotional & physical symptoms during perimenopause
Saffron, the vibrant spice derived from the flower Crocus sativus, has long been valued in traditional medicine for its mood‑supporting and health‑promoting properties. In recent years, clinical research has begun to investigate its potential benefits for women experiencing symptoms during the menopause transition. One standardised Saffron extract known as affron® has been studied for its effects on mood, anxiety and menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and physical discomfort.
The long view of menopause & why preparation matters
Many women notice that recommendations for prescription medications increase during their 40s and 50s for symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, sleep disturbance, reflux, high cholesterol or rising blood pressure. While medications can play a role managing symptoms and protecting health, they frequently address individual outcomes rather than taking into consideration the broader hormonal transition occurring at the same time.
Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT) Options in Australia
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help reduce menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen (oestradiol) and sometimes progesterone which naturally decline during the menopause transition. There are two main types of MHT: body-identical (natural) and non-body-identical (synthetic).
Insight into surgical menopause
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed before the natural age of menopause (around 51 years). This surgery is called a bilateral oophorectomy and may be performed to treat conditions such as endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain, to manage certain gynaecological cancers or to reduce cancer risk in women who carry genetic mutations like the BRCA gene or Lynch Syndrome.
Understanding Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency or POI occurs when the ovaries slow down or stop producing hormones before the age of 40. It affects around 1 in 100 women and can happen naturally or as a result of medical treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery involving the ovaries.
Perimenopause: the end or a new beginning?
Is perimenopause the beginning of the end, or the start of something new? The answer depends on perspective and how you’re feeling during this transition.
Benefits of probiotics while taking antibiotics
Antibiotics are powerful medications that help treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
The rise of Ozempic and Wegovy and their role in weight loss
In recent years, Ozempic has gained significant attention as a treatment for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Understanding the thyroid: function, imbalances and natural support
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production and overall hormonal balance.
Nature’s spark plug: coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of the body, essential for energy production and overall cellular health.
Cholesterol and statins: understanding their role in heart health
Cholesterol is a vital lipid that supports various bodily functions, such as hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and the formation of bile acids, which aid in fat digestion.
‘B’ energised with B vitamins
While you often see numerous B complex formulas in the market, each B vitamin provides a unique function in the body, ranging from energy production to supporting brain function, red blood cell formation, and metabolism.