Why our Perimenopause Vaginal Health Bundle is so good

pH Hero^® includes 5 bacterial strains that are natural to the health of the vagina and urinary tract. The bacterial strains have been clinically studied for the effects they have on epithelial barriers (cells on the inside and outside of the surfaces of our body) and the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the vagina, bladder and gut. 

The Lactobacilli species in particular have been shown to support the acidity of the bladder as well as the urinary tract through lactic acid production, and in turn, can help in rebalancing the vaginal microbiome.^1-3

Lactobacillus acidophilus: Repopulating our colon with the Lactobacilli species supports creating a healthy environment for the female genitals. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most researched strains of bacteria studied to support and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, and research shows a healthy lactobacilli-dominated flora can help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and maintaining the quality of life of women.  

pH Hero^® includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri strains, which provide the two most effective strains for the prevention of urinary tract infections.  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is commonly found in a healthy vaginal microbiome, has been clinically shown to help maintain a healthy pH. Lactobacillus reuteri has proven to be effective in maintaining a healthy vaginal pH when combined with other Lactobacilli strains. L. reuteri can help crowd out unhealthy organisms and strengthen the vagina’s natural defences against organisms like ‘Candida Albicans’, a well-known yeast commonly implicated in vaginal yeast infections.^6-8,10-12

Lactobacillus plantarum helps to balance and reset vaginal pH and restores the diversity of microflora. L. plantarum supports the gut microbiome but is also able to reach the vaginal epithelial cells and can play a significant role in helping prevent the occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a type of infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast. L. plantarum has been shown to have strong anti-microbial activity against bacteria including E.coli which is responsible for the development of urinary tract infections.^10-13

Lactobacillus crispatus is a probiotic strain proven to reach the vagina and has been extensively studied for how it contributes to a healthy vaginal microflora, and helps prevent the overgrowth of yeast and other unwanted bacterial infections.

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Sea buckthorn has been extensively studied for its role in supporting the body's mucosal function and helping provide a protective barrier in the vagina. Research shows it may help protect against vaginal dryness and maintain healthy skin from within. Studies show Sea Buckthorn can improve vaginal health within 3 months, including significantly improving the integrity of the vaginal epithelium (the inner lining of the vagina), thus reducing signs of vaginal atrophy.^24-27

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pH Hero^® provides Cranberry Extract at the optimal dose of 4g per serving. Cranberries have a well-established role in the prevention of urinary tract infections by supporting the body’s defences against external agents through their powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the cells from oxidative damage and support a healthy urinary tract. Cranberries also support our overall physical wellbeing.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) and research shows that the consumption of cranberries helps prevent the adhesion of particularly harmful bacterial strains to the urothelial cells of the bladder. This, in turn, helps with the early stages of urinary tract infections.^30-32

Parsley and Nettle both support urinary tract function and normal urinary flow, including the excretion function of the kidneys. This ensures the body is efficiently eliminating toxins that can otherwise contribute to infections.

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The vaginal pH and microbiome change with the hormonal changes women go through, during the menstrual cycle, through pregnancy and through menopause. Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin to regulate hormonal balance, and pH Hero^® includes 2.8mg (200% NRV) of Vitamin B6 to support and regulate hormone activity.

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Immune support

• Supporting the immune system is an important aspect of supporting gut and vaginal health.
• pH Hero^® provides a high potency of Cranberry Extract at the optimal dose of 4g per serving, rich in nutrients including Vitamin C and plant polyphenols. Vitamin C provides immune support and offers protection against oxidative stress, which in turn helps build resilience against the development of further infections, as well as supporting a swift recovery when feeling under the weather. Nettle and Vitamin B6 also provide valuable support for the immune system.

Gut health support

• Supporting the gut flora plays an important part in supporting the immune system - at least 70% of the body’s immune system is fuelled by our gut. pH Hero^® provides the synergistic combination of inulin, a prebiotic fibre and 5 Probiotic bacterial strains. Inulin provides an important type of gut-friendly fibre found in many plants and which helps other gut-friendly bacteria grow.

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PeriMenoFriend^® includes Vitamin B6 and Magnesium, which contribute to hormone regulation. 

Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb, traditionally used in Ayurvedic practices. It supports the health of the female reproductive system in addition to helping maintain balance in female physiology during and after the menopause. For women who may still be menstruating, Shatavari root has been shown to help regulate their cycles.

Phytoestrogens within the botanicals included in PeriMenoFriend^® have traditionally been used as a natural alternative to medication. They have been shown to support hormonal balance in many clinical studies, and along with dietary and lifestyle modifications, they can help women thrive through their perimenopausal transition.

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The hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause can impact many areas of women’s optimal wellbeing, including their energy levels and leading to fatigue.

Vitamins B5 and B6, Vitamin C and Magnesium contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue and support an energy-yielding metabolism. 

Zinc supports macronutrient metabolism, helping the body convert the food we consume into an energy source. Ashwagandha root is acclaimed for its ability to support the body’s vitality as well as help mental and physical capacities, even in cases of weakness, exhaustion, tiredness and loss of concentration.

Traditionally used by Peruvian warriors, Maca is acclaimed for helping to maintain optimal stamina and vitality. Maca’s active constituents are particularly beneficial when feeling fatigued.

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While women navigate through perimenopause, they are often juggling family life and work, and trying to hold it all together. This can be difficult at any time, and even more so when experiencing hormonal fluctuations and declining oestrogen that affect the brain, cognitive processes and mental performance.

PeriMenoFriend^® provides key nutrients to support cognitive function, including Zinc in its most absorbable and effective picolinate form, which is also gentle on digestion.

Magnesium, Vitamins B6, B12 and Vitamin C contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Mental performance is supported by Vitamin B5, which can help women thrive in their day-to-day activities.

Botanical extracts in PeriMenoFriend^®, including Sage, are being studied for their impact on cognitive tasks, working memory, and accuracy task / outcome measures. With its host of active constituents, including terpenes and phenolics, Sage is a valuable botanical for cognitive support.

Lemon balm is acclaimed for helping maintain a positive mood and good cognitive function.

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The advanced blend of nutrients and botanicals in PeriMenoFriend^® help provide a wonderful support for the modern lifestyles women lead while going through the perimenopause.

Vitamins B6, B12 and Vitamin C contribute to normal psychological function. 

Hops extract is acclaimed to exert a relaxing effect and induce mental and physical wellbeing, while also supporting sound and healthy sleep.

Ashwagandha provides organic ashwagandha root extract with the active compound, withanolides responsible for many of ashwagandha’s health benefits. Like Shatavari, Ashwagandha root extract has adaptogenic properties, which are studied for the support they give the body in its ability to better deal with stress. Ashwagandha root is acclaimed to be effective during times of mental and nervous tension, and moments of overwhelming feelings, contributing to optimal relaxation and supporting mental and physical wellbeing.

Magnesium bisglycinate is a chelated form of magnesium where Magnesium is bound to the amino acid called ‘glycine’. It is an extensively studied and highly bioavailable form of magnesium compared to other forms and its gentle nature makes it suitable for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Evidence shows the combination of Magnesium and Vitamin B6 helps reduce stress in those with particularly low levels of Magnesium. Low levels of magnesium combined with the lower testosterone levels experienced during the perimenopause can contribute to irritability and low moods and have other unwelcome health effects, so the combination of Magnesium and Vitamin B6 supports both the body and mind.

Lemon Balm contributes to optimal relaxation, helps contribute to physical and mental wellbeing, and can support a good night of sleep.

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Supporting and investing in the health of bones is vital during perimenopause and menopause, where the reduction in bone density can increase the risk of bone-related problems.

Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 and Zinc contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones. The combination of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 plays a pivotal role in contributing to bone health and protecting against the risk of weakening bones that grow during this phase of life with the marked reduction in oestrogen. Keeping good bone mineral density and strong bones helps reduce the likelihood of bone fractures or falls.

Vitamin D3 and Magnesium contribute to the maintenance of normal muscle function. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and teeth. Studies also show that higher levels of Vitamin C are related to greater bone mineral density.

Using a more natural and holistic approach to bone health will help women through their perimenopausal journey. Phytoestrogens, including Red Clover and Maca are studied for their impact on bone health and the firmness of bones.  

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Supporting the gut microbiome health can have a huge effect on preparing the body to transition through perimenopause and menopause, particularly if you already deal with gut health issues.

Dandelion root and Lemon Balm support digestion by contributing to the function of the intestinal tract. Dandelion root is acclaimed to have prebiotic effects and support the physiological pH balance of the stomach, both of which can help balance gut microflora, and support optimal gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Shatavari is acclaimed for supporting digestion and digestive juice flow, helping avoid gastric upsets during perimenopause. Sea buckthorn berry also supports intestinal tract activity, as well as metabolism.

For complete gut health support, you may wish to try Gut Works^®, the multi award-winning prebiotic and probiotic providing 6 clinically studied bacterial strains and 50 billion CFU.

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Caring for your skin is particularly important when going through the perimenopause and menopause because the skin barrier is more susceptible to dehydration and becomes thinner with time. Along with hormonal fluctuations, stress or sleep disturbances, this life stage can contribute to a loss of skin elasticity.

Within the first 5 years of the menopause, a staggering 30% of collagen is lost, which is why it is vital to adopt an ‘inside out’ approach. Remember, there is no such thing as ‘vegan collagen’, and taking a collagen supplement is proven to be less effective than fueling your body’s natural collagen production with supplements such as Skin Saviour^®. However, PeriMenoFriend^® is also uniquely formulated to provide daily support for healthy skin, nails and hair with scientifically studied nutrients, at optimal dosages.

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, which is vital for healthy looking skin. Vitamin C is provided in an L-ascorbate form, which is a combination of Calcium and Vitamin C. This form, of Vitamin C provides the benefits of both nutrients in highly absorbable forms that are also kinder to your digestion. 

Zinc and Selenium contribute to the maintenance of hair and nails. Zinc also plays an active role in normal cell division in the body, which is involved in skin breakouts, lesions and wound healing. Zinc supports normal testosterone levels, which when low, can contribute to tiredness, low libido and hair loss. Zinc is not stored by the body, so it is important to have a regular intake of zinc through your diet and supplements.

Sea Buckthorn Berry is acclaimed for helping contribute to the mucosal functions in dry eyes, the vagina and mouth, which in turn helps maintain healthy skin from within. Sage is also acclaimed to reinforce the loss of hair linked to a shift in hormone equilibrium.

For additional skin care and healthy ageing support, Skin Saviour^® provides the essential co-factors required for the body to convert amino acids from dietary protein consumed for the skin’s natural collagen production. 

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Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function. Selenomethionine is an organic form of Selenium that contains selenium in the form of an amino acid. It's the primary form of selenium found in plant-based foods and is highly absorbable for the body. 

Sea Moss is a type of red algae that contains good levels of Iodine. Iodine is a trace element and is very important to thyroid function and the production of hormones. 

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland in the neck and one of its main functions is to help regulate bodily processes such as metabolism, which in turn fuels your daily energy. You can learn more about the link between the thyroid and the menopause in our expert articles.

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Vitamin C and the minerals Zinc and Selenium contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by factors including smoking, medication, surgery, unhealthy diets, and exposure to pollution. Oxidative stress contributes to premature ageing and certain chronic diseases, and research also shows that symptoms of perimenopause can be made worse by oxidative stress.

HRT medications as well as stress can also deplete women of Vitamin C. It is therefore important to replenish this vital nutrient through diet and / or supplemental intake.

Sage is acclaimed to contain naturally occurring antioxidants and is thought to contribute to the total antioxidant capacity of the body, which can in turn help strengthen bodily defences. 

Hops extract, Dong Quai and Dandelion are acclaimed for helping protect the body’s cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, which damage cells, and protecting them from oxidation induced cell stress, and reinforcing cell protection.

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Natural plants and seaweed provide a holistic and natural daily blend within PeriMenoFriend^® along with 8 other vitamins and minerals.

Dong Quai, Sage Leaf, Red Clover, Shatavari, Mung Bean, Hops and Wild Yam all provide sources of phytoestrogens. 

Red Clover, Wild Yam and Sage are acclaimed for supporting a calm and comfortable menopause. Red Clover and Wild Yam are widely studied for helping with the telltale signs of the menopause, such as body temperature fluctuations, restlessness and irritability, while Sage is studied for the support it provides women who experience excess sweating.

Traditionally used for women’s health and particularly for oestrogen support, Shatavari is thought to help balance vata and pitta doshas. It is acclaimed to help maintain balance in female physiology during and after the menopause, as well as support the health of the kidneys.

Maca is also studied for the support it provides for sexual desire and a lack of libido, which may be helpful for those who need additional support during this pivotal time of life. 

Sea moss is a nutrient-dense, red seaweed (algae) that has been undervalued for many years. Clinical studies however are increasing, and so far this species of macroalgae has shown to have over 105 natural, active constituents. 

Dandelion is acclaimed for helping maintain a healthy urinary tract, important for women throughout life and particularly during perimenopause and menopause, where there is a great risk of vaginal dryness and infections. If you need additional support for vaginal health, we recommend the award-winning pH Hero^®, formulated for complete vaginal health.

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