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…affects the health of all of us since we develop in the womb. The seriousness of the topic is evidenced by the fact that there are several scientific fields specializing in the preservation of women’s health. The two largest branches of them are:
1) support before and during pregnancy, and
2) help against menopause and perimenopause symptoms.
The health of the eggs (scientifically oocytes) begins to deteriorate after ovulation – this is called postovulatory aging. After ovulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction occur, and the egg’s energy level (ATP) decreases. As a consequence of the negative processes, the oocyte can lose its fertilizability in a short time, and then it is destroyed by apoptosis. Dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 works against negative processes and the rapid aging of the egg, helping to extend the time when the egg is healthy and in a state that can be fertilized. It achieves this effect through the protein SIRT4 (sirtuin) and by ensuring the normal functioning of egg cell mitochondria.
Q10 is also used in artificial insemination to maintain the quality of the egg as long as possible, and it can also be effective against general aging.
The health of the eggs is also supported by vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
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Yarrow has countless traditional uses for thousands of years, including relieving menstrual cramps and reducing the heaviness of menstruation and blood loss. It has a toning effect on the uterine muscles, so it helps the normal cycle in case of amenorrhoea (repeated absence of menstruation). Scientific research is currently working on the verification and quantification of folk observations, and it can already be stated with certainty that yarrow has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates tissue regeneration/wound healing.
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The application of herbal extracts and herbal tea against the symptoms of menopause is a common remedy. As evidenced by a scientific paper, the combination of astragalus extract and a blackberry species extract effectively reduced postmenopausal syndromes, as both the Menopause rating Scale and the Kupperman index decreased in 12 weeks.
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Awareness must also consider the biology of the female body, so for example it is important to know that vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among women. Vitamin B12 is essential for replenishing blood cells that were lost during menstruation and also softens the intensity of menstruation. For the same reason, a continuous supply of iron is necessary against iron deficiency-caused anemia. An active woman is recommended to consume more than twice as much iron as a man, taking into account that this must be obtained primarily from food (e.g. spinach, or spinach powder), because inorganic iron salts can activate pathogenic bacteria hiding in the intestines.
During the preparation for childbearing, several natural active ingredients support not only the female body but also the health of the eggs/oocytes. Protecting the health of the oocytes is extremely important for those planning to have children, and it is worth starting 3 months before the planned conception. It is recommended to keep the supplementation of the active ingredients until the end of the breastfeeding period, to have healthy offspring. These include coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, other plant antioxidants, and zinc. Antioxidants play a huge role in counteracting the effects of environmental pollution and harmful habits (past or active smoking, and alcohol consumption).
Disorders of the menstrual cycle are often caused by hormonal imbalances or other causes due to a lack of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. Therefore, as a woman, it is worth asking yourself about your diet from time to time: is your body getting the right quality and quantity of all important nutrients and cofactors, and if not, how should it be supplemented?
Menstrual problems have been with us since ancient times, so we can draw inspiration from folk medicine in addition to modern science to alleviate them. Yarrow is a commonly accepted and used medicinal plant, which not only supports the regularity of the cycle but is also known to have a hemostatic effect. To replace the blood loss as soon as possible, it is essential for the body to support blood production – for example eating large amounts of spinach or other green leaves helps the body.
Menopause – the cessation of regular menstruation – is associated with an unpleasant set of symptoms, can be associated with frequent hot flashes and mood swings, and can last for years. The background is a change in female hormone balance and a decrease in estrogen production.
The symptoms can be significantly reduced with a healthy lifestyle and a properly prepared diet. Regular consumption of legumes rich in phytoestrogens is recommended, or the use of extracts containing isoflavonoids. Astragalus root has also been providing support against hot flashes, night sweats, and depression for centuries in the Far East.
As the standard of living increases, old age is pushed further and further, and aging women can also preserve their youth. Coenzyme Q10 increases vitality and energy levels and acts against cognitive decline in old age.
Vitamin B12 protects nerves, and it is important in older age to supplement the body with it, as its absorption efficiency decreases significantly over time. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, whose role is also very important in old age, to protect the body from harmful effects. Other types of plant antioxidants, such as curcumins or flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory effects, which provide support for older people when they are more likely to develop chronic inflammation in the body.