Women’s Health 40+: Non-Hormonal Nutraceuticals

Why demand for non-hormonal solutions is growing

After the age of 40, women face hormonal changes, perimenopausal symptoms, mood swings, sleep issues, and declines in energy and cognitive functions.

Traditionally, these symptoms were managed with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, more women are seeking non-hormonal alternatives.

At Vitafoods Europe 2025, this topic was a key highlight in the Women’s Health track: manufacturers showcased new nutraceutical complexes based on omega-3, isoflavones, inositol, and phosphatidylserine.

Omega-3: heart, brain, and inflammation

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA, DHA):

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women (Mozaffarian, 2011).

• Improve cognitive functions, reduce inflammation, and support joint health.

• At Vitafoods 2025, new delivery systems were presented: odorless capsules, smoothie emulsions, and chewable gummies for daily intake.

Isoflavones: plant phytoestrogens

Isoflavones from soy and red clover:

• Relieve hot flashes, improve sleep and mood.

• Have mild estrogen-like effects without the risks of HRT (Messina, 2014).

• Available as capsules, beverages, and even functional yogurts.

Inositol: glucose and hormone balance

Inositol (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol):

• Supports insulin sensitivity.

• Helps with metabolic syndrome and PCOS (Nestler, 2012).

• Increasingly used in women 40+ for weight and mood stabilization.

Phosphatidylserine: cognitive support

Phosphatidylserine — a phospholipid of cell membranes:

• Enhances memory and concentration.

• Reduces cortisol levels, which is especially important during hormonal changes (Kato-Kataoka, 2010).

• Combined with omega-3, shows a synergistic effect on the brain.

Table 1. Nutraceuticals for women 40+: effects and mechanisms

👉 This table summarizes the main nutraceuticals for women 40+ and shows the systems they support. None of them has a universal effect, but together they form a complete health-support complex.

Table 2. Delivery systems from Vitafoods 2025

👉 This table clearly shows the 2025 trend: delivery systems are designed so that women can choose the most convenient format for themselves. This also improves compliance — regular intake of nutraceuticals.

Table 3. Symptoms and nutraceuticals for correction

👉 Here we see an example of a personalized approach: different nutraceuticals are selected based on symptoms. This allows a woman to receive targeted support rather than a “one-size-fits-all” supplement.

Practical recommendations

• To start: basic combination of omega-3 + isoflavones.

• For women with metabolic issues: add inositol.

• For cognitive support: combine omega-3 with phosphatidylserine.

• Choice of delivery system: gummies and yogurts — for daily use, capsules and emulsions — for therapeutic doses.

Conclusion

Modern nutraceuticals for women 40+ are comprehensive non-hormonal solutions that consider both physical and psycho-emotional health. Trends from Vitafoods 2025 indicate that the future lies in individualized formulas and convenient delivery systems.

References

1. Mozaffarian D. Fish oil and cardiovascular health. Circulation. 2011.

2. Messina M. Soy isoflavones and menopausal health. Nutrients. 2014.

3. Nestler J.E. Inositol in polycystic ovary syndrome. Endocr Pract. 2012.

4. Kato-Kataoka A. Phosphatidylserine and cortisol. Stress Health. 2010.

5. Vitafoods Europe 2025: Women’s Health Track Reports.