Women’s Health

When hormones go haywire

Mood swings, acne, hair loss, PMS, an unfulfilled desire to have a child, bladder weakness, severe sweating or depressive moods. Many women suffer from these symptoms. The reason for this can be a hormonal system that is out of balance. The hormonal system in the human body is very sensitive. Among other things, persistent stress and a lack of sleep or nutrients can mean that hormones are not produced in sufficient quantities.

Due to pregnancy, breastfeeding and the challenging years in which they have to juggle their family and career, women are virtually predestined to experience a hormonal imbalance. The contraceptive pill also interferes with a hormonal system that may be intact and deprives the body of important vitamins and minerals.* However, a long-term unhealthy diet can also lead to hormone-related illnesses. Important neurotransmitters and the happiness hormone serotonin are formed in the gut. Studies confirm that the intake of certain probiotics can have a positive effect on the body.**

Planning to have children & pregnancy

For women planning to have children, it is important to begin taking folic acid in good time. A folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube defects in the unborn child, which have serious consequences. The DGE thus recommends taking a supplement with 400 μg folic acid per day alongside a folate-rich diet if planning to have children and during the 1st trimester of the pregnancy*****. This is particularly important for women who were taking the contraceptive pill shortly before planning to have children. Taking the pill reduces the intake of many vitamins, including folic acid.

Alongside folic acid, there is an increased nutrient requirement for almost all vitamins and minerals during pregnancy******. The body is running at top performance and must be supplied accordingly. Other B vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2 and biotin contribute to a normal energy metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B6, B12, niacin and pantothenic acid help to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin C and selenium contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and to normal thyroid function. Vitamin D and zinc contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system and play a role in cell division. Various health claims are approved for vitamin A. It contributes to maintaining normal mucous membranes, skin and vision, while also being involved in the normal functioning of the immune system and playing a role in cell division. Particular attention should be paid to the additional intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in the last trimester of pregnancy. DHA plays an important role in the development of the brain and eyes of the foetus. The duration of the pregnancy can be positively influenced with EPA.

Menopause

During the menopause, the risk of women suffering from osteoporosis increases by 30%*******. This is due to the reduced production of the female sex hormone oestrogen during the menopause. Oestrogen has other important functions in the female body alongside controlling the monthly cycle. Among other things, oestrogen is involved in the formation of bone. If less of the sex hormone is produced over the course of a woman’s life, this can result in pathological bone loss. Alongside a sufficient supply of calcium, the regular intake of vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis. Calcium is an important constituent of the bones, and vitamin D helps calcium to be absorbed better in the gut and transported into the bones.

The menopause is often accompanied by many other symptoms. Hot flushes, mood swings, listlessness, weight changes, sleep problems and many others can impair a woman’s general well-being. Borage oil is traditionally used to treat hot flushes and night sweats, for example.

Alongside all these aspects, beauty, particularly beautiful skin and hair, is also part of a woman’s well-being. Discover our products for beauty from within, too. With the right nutrient intake and ideally a healthy lifestyle, women at any phase of life can fulfil their potential and go about their daily lives efficiently!