THE HARMONY 1 | PLANT-BASED PROGESTERONE

What happens during menopause?

The menopause (climacteric) is the phase of a woman's life in which the hormonal changes - intended by nature - take place. The ovaries reduce their hormonal production. From a balanced, fertile state of the female sex hormones estrogen (formed before ovulation) and progesterone from the group of gestagens (formed after ovulation) through the "change" to the complete breakdown of these hormones and natural infertility in the state of menopause. This entire phase can begin as early as the late 30s. It begins noticeably on average in the early to mid 40s and usually ends in the mid to late 50s. If the absence of menstruation was more than a year ago, menopause has definitely occurred. The duration of the menopause can be between 5 and 10 years. The entire period can be divided into three different phases:

Premenopause: decrease in hormone production, phase of gradual cessation of menstruation. (possible onset age late 30s to early 40s)

Perimenopause: Significant menstrual irregularities and a greater increase in menopausal symptoms (possible onset age mid-40s to mid-50s)

Postmenopause: The end of the fertile phase (no more egg maturation and no more menstruation). A new hormonal balance is established. Menopausal symptoms are reduced. (Possible onset age: mid-50s to 60s)

Regarding the age information, it must be mentioned that every female body is different and the different phases do not necessarily apply to every woman. In addition, not every woman perceives the individual phases equally clearly. The information is only intended to provide orientation and can serve as a guide to interpret possible complaints.

In specialist literature, one often reads about the four phases of menopause, divided into pre-, peri-, menopause and post-menopause. Pre-menopause is referred to as the phase before menopause, when the first signs appear that can be attributed to the onset of menopause, which can be noticed by attentive women. We have combined menopause and post-menopause here as the last phase of menopause, when ovulation definitely no longer occurs and the last period was a year or more ago.

What symptoms do women have during menopause?

The majority of women in menopause have symptoms and suffer from things such as hot flushes, sweating, headaches, exhaustion, sleep disorders, reduced fluid balance, wrinkles, hair loss, dry mucous membranes (vaginal dryness), reduced sexual desire, frequent bladder infections, increased vaginal itching, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, accumulation of abdominal fat, possible onset of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, tiredness, lack of motivation, reduced performance, lack of concentration, urinary incontinence and depression. These symptoms can vary in severity and vary greatly from individual to individual.

However, there are also women who experience menopause relatively symptom-free and only experience a brief change.

What happens during premenopause?

Premenopause is the first of the three phases of menopause. During this phase, the production of the female sex hormone progesterone usually decreases, resulting in estrogen dominance. The performance of the ovaries decreases. Premenopause can begin slowly in the late 30s. The usual perception begins in the mid-40s. The first signs of this can be: intermenstrual bleeding, shorter menstrual cycles, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), increased susceptibility to cystitis, fibroids, endometriosis, sleep disorders (with or without sweating), and reduced metabolism. Doctors often recommend hormone replacement therapy even in this phase, but this is not necessary, because herbal alternatives with hormone-like receptors can lead to more balance and equilibrium.

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a sex hormone from the group of gestagens (corpus luteum hormone) that prepares the female body for a possible pregnancy and also plays an important role during pregnancy. Progesterone is produced in increased quantities in women in the second half of the cycle and stimulates the growth of the uterine lining in order to prepare for the possible storage of a possibly fertilized egg. A decrease in progesterone, as is common in premenopause, can therefore cause noticeable menstrual problems.

During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate. This can lead to various complaints (see “About menopause”). With the help of “plant hormones”, hormone levels can be rebalanced.

Secondary plant substances that are similar to human hormones are found particularly in yam and fenugreek.

Since there can often be confusion about the terms, we have listed and explained the most important terms here:

• Isoflavones and lignans are secondary plant substances from the group of phytoestrogens . They are similar to the body's own hormone estrogen in structure and effect, which is why the term "plant hormones" is derived from them.
• Flavones are the higher group of flavonoids and also belong to the group of phytoestrogens. These are secondary plant substances that are also similar to the body's own hormone estrogen in structure and effect, but to a lesser extent. In addition to antioxidant properties that can protect the human body from free radicals, they are also said to have the properties of being able to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and cholesterol, and can have a positive effect on the immune system.
• Diosgenin is a plant-based compound and a distant precursor of the human hormone progesterone. It is often used as a natural remedy to relieve symptoms of menopause. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from free radicals.
• Gestagens are also hormones that belong to the female sex hormones. They are corpus luteum hormones that belong to the steroids. One of the most important representatives of gestagens is progesterone. Progesterone belongs to the group of gestagens along with pregnanediol and pregnenolone.

About Yam

The yam root, also called yam or yams, is a tuber that is a staple food in Africa and South America, comparable to the potato. It has a high starch content, contains fiber and many other valuable micronutrients, such as vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron and copper. It also contains many antioxidants and can be described as a real superfood. An important ingredient, especially with regard to the menopause, is the high proportion of diosgenin, a precursor of the human hormone progesterone, which counteracts estrogen dominance and regulates the unbalanced hormone levels during the menopause. Thousands of years ago, indigenous peoples used the yam root to treat menstrual cramps or labor pains. The tuber also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used for colds, inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis. Yam has an antispasmodic effect and has a positive effect on stress and inner restlessness. The high phosphorus content is important for bone strength, teeth and cells. Diosgenin also has a positive effect on memory performance.

We use the yam root extract (the concentrated extract of the substance), which has a higher diosgenin content (20%).

About Fenugreek

Fenugreek, also known as Greek hay, is a plant from the Fabaceae family, the legume family, whose seeds and leaves are said to offer a variety of health benefits. It has been around for several thousand years and has been revered as a medicinal remedy ever since. Hildegard von Bingen and Sebastian Kneipp praised its supposed healing powers. It is used in medicinal medicine in China, India and Tibet. In herbal medicine it is used for diabetes mellitus, as it is said to lower blood sugar levels. Mothers with breastfeeding problems (although not recommended for breastfeeding mothers) use it in traditional medicine. It contains the amino acid histidine and the phytohormone diosgenin. Fenugreek is also a popular seasoning ingredient, used in a variety of forms in North African, Southern European and Asian cuisine. Fenugreek has a high protein content, contains fats, essential oils, bitter substances, valuable vitamins (especially vitamin A and all B vitamins, except B12) and important minerals (especially iron and magnesium). It is used for hair loss and skin problems and also contains many antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also often used for inflammation. The healing substances of fenugreek are found in its seeds, which is why we use fenugreek seed extract (the concentrated extract of the seeds), which has a higher content of the ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

Fenugreek seed extract, yam root extract, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (capsule shell)

RECOMMENDED USE:

Take one capsule daily with plenty of water.

Notes: The recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of the reach of small children. Store in a cool, dry place protected from light.

*Reference quantity according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011

**Reference amount for women according to DGE (= German Nutrition Society)

* % NRV = Nutrient Reference Values ​​according to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011