After the age of 40, a new stage begins in a woman’s body – perimenopause and menopause, which are accompanied by hormonal changes, changes in appearance, mood, sleep and metabolism.
For decades, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the main approach to alleviating the symptoms of this period.
However, there is a growing demand for safer, gentler and longer lasting solutions – in particular nutraceuticals, adaptogens, probiotics, bioactive peptides and special delivery systems.
Vitafoods Europe 2025 showcased dozens of scientific solutions and clinically proven ingredients that can support women during this important period without the interference of hormones.
What happens to a woman’s body after 40
Changes may be gradual, but they involve several systems:
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🧠 Nervous system: irritability, anxiety, decreased concentration, impaired sleep.
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Hormonal system: decreased estrogen, progesterone levels, insulin resistance.
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🦴 Musculoskeletal system: loss of muscle mass, increased risk of osteopenia.
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💆♀️ Skin and mucous membranes: dryness, decreased elasticity, impaired barrier function.
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⚖️ Metabolism: slower metabolism, weight gain, changes in appetite.
Women often do not associate these symptoms with hormonal changes, so timely information and support is critical.
Nutraceutical support: what works?
Scientific research in recent years supports the effectiveness of certain nutraceutical ingredients in alleviating menopausal symptoms, improving quality of life, sleep, emotional stability and metabolism.
| Ingredient | Action | Research |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron (Crocus sativus) + L-theanine | Reduces anxiety, improves sleep, stabilizes moods | Lopresti et al., 2021 PubMed |
| Soy isoflavones | Phytoestrogens, reducing hot flashes, supporting bone density | Chen et al., 2015 PubMed |
| Magnesium + B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) | Neuro-support, reduction of PMS symptoms, improved sleep | Rocha et al., 2021 PubMed |
| Peruvian maca extract (Lepidium meyenii) | Improves libido, energy, menstrual stability | Brooks et al., 2020 |
| DHA + EPA (Omega-3) | Anti-inflammatory action, mood improvement, cardioprotection | Delarue et al., 2019 |
📌 Many supplements for women 40+ combine these ingredients in complexes – in the form of gummies, chewable tablets, capsules or granules in sachets.
The microbiome as a new trend in women’s health
At Vitafoods 2025, significant attention was paid to the role of the microbiome in hormone regulation. An imbalance of gut flora (dysbiosis) can affect:
- estrogen conversion (enteroestrogen cycle),
- an increase in inflammatory markers,
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development of metabolic syndrome.
| Approach | Form/component | Research results |
|---|---|---|
| Symbiotics | Lactobacillus rhamnosus + inulin | Reducing inflammation, improving the intestinal barrier |
| Postbiotics | Butyrate, propionate | Weight regulation, anxiety reduction |
| Vaginal probiotics | L. reuteri, L. crispatus | Infection prevention, pH support, mucosal repair |
Plant adaptogens are one of the most promising areas. Especially in women with chronic stress, which accelerates hormonal imbalance.
Top adaptogens for women 40+:
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Ashwagandha – lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep, balances mood.
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Rhodiola rosea – adapts to stress, stimulates performance.
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Saffron – acts on the serotonin system, increases tolerance to stress, has an antidepressant effect.
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Bacopa monnieri – neuro-support, memory improvement.
Delivery-systems 2025: what has changed?
The current release form of nutraceuticals is critical to women’s compliance. In 2025, the dominant ones are:
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Chewable tablets with microencapsulation (to preserve bioactivity),
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Gummy formats (with reduced sugar content),
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Sachet powders (for adding to water, yogurt),
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Delayed-Release Tablets (SRT).
Vitafoods offers solutions with vegan shells, natural flavors, microcapsules for intestinal release – safe, convenient, effective.
Non-pharmacological support
A healthy lifestyle is as important as nutraceuticals.
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Diet: Mediterranean diet, omega-3, zinc, protein, fiber.
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Physical activity: daily cardio/yoga/pilates (minimum 150 minutes per week).
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Sleep: minimum 7 hours, stable routine, minimizing blue light.
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Psycho-emotional stability: meditation, cognitive therapy, quality social interaction.
Conclusions
Hormone therapy is not the only option for maintaining women’s health after 40. Thanks to advances in nutraceutical science, symbiotics, delivery systems and evidence-based phytotherapy, the modern woman has a powerful arsenal of natural remedies. Moreover, they often not only alleviate menopause symptoms, but also improve the overall health of the body – from the microbiome to the psycho-emotional background.
Women’s health isn’t just about hormones. It’s balance, stability and self-care on all levels.
List of Sources
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Lopresti AL, et al. (2021). Saffron and L-theanine in menopause. J Clin Psychopharmacol. PubMed
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Chen MN, et al. (2015). Soy isoflavones and menopause. Obstet Gynecol Int. PubMed
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Rocha J, et al. (2021). Magnesium, B6 and PMS. J Womens Health. PubMed
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Vitafoods Europe 2025: презентації Gnosis, Suannutra, Biosearch Life
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Brooks NA, et al. (2020). Maca root and women’s health. Menopause Rev.
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Delarue J, et al. (2019). Omega-3 and emotional well-being. Nutrition Reviews
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