By Jaime Seeman, M.D. Board-Certified OB-GYN, NAMS Certified Menopause Specialist, and member of PanTheryx’s scientific advisory board
September is Healthy Aging Month, serving as a gentle reminder that our minds and bodies evolve as we age—and it’s ok! It’s a time to reflect on the changes we experience and the proactive steps we can take to embrace this natural process. And, as we step into October, World Menopause Month raises awareness about menopause and the various support options available for women to care for their health and wellbeing.
By 2030, the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year.1
The Phases of Menopause
Menopause is a gradual process encompassing various stages. Perimenopause, typically starting in the late 30s or early 40s, involves hormonal fluctuations, leading to irregular periods and hot flashes, night sweats and more. Menopause itself is officially declared when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. Postmenopause follows, marking the time after menopause’s onset when symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings may continue.
Throughout these stages, women experience significant changes in their bodies. One essential aspect of this change is the transformation of the female microbiomes, including the gut, vagina, and skin.
The Changing Microbiomes
The gut, vaginal, and skin microbiomes play crucial roles in a woman’s overall health. As women age and undergo hormonal shifts, these microbiomes also go through changes. These shifts can affect digestion, vaginal lubrication, and skin’s moisture or elasticity.
- Gut Microbiome: Changes in hormones can impact the composition of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive challenges. Maintaining a healthy gut becomes increasingly important during menopause.
- Vaginal Microbiome: Menopause can lead to alterations in the vaginal microbiome, potentially causing discomfort due to imbalances in pH levels and increased yeast.
- Skin Microbiome: Hormonal changes can affect the skin’s microbiome, contributing to changes in skin appearance, moisture barrier and/or elasticity.
Symptoms and Proactive Health Measures
Menopause comes with a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and bone density loss. Proactive health measures are essential for managing these symptoms and ensuring overall well-being.
Women are increasingly taking proactive steps to prepare for menopause and its associated changes. According to our women’s health survey of 2,050 US women earlier this year, millennial and Gen X women are particularly active in managing their health. It revealed that women across generations are turning to vitamins and supplements as a primary proactive measure. Gen Z (74%) and millennials (56%), in particular, show a substantial interest in this approach. Additionally, more than half of women polled are trying to prioritize getting 6+ hours of sleep (55%), regular exercise (52%), and relaxation (52%) as other ways to maintain their overall health.
TruBiotics Women’s Capsules and Gummies: Supporting Women’s Health Needs
For women navigating the changes that come with aging and menopause, TruBiotics Women’s probiotics offer valuable support. These products are carefully formulated to cater to different health needs at various life stages.
- TruBiotics Women’s Capsules: Designed for women concerned with vaginal health and bone density during menopause, these capsules contain scientifically studied probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium animalis (BB-12®) for digestive health, and Lactobacillus reuteri (RC-14®) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (GR-1®) to help maintain vaginal pH balance and yeast. Additionally, they include calcium and Vitamin D3 to support bone health and immune function.
- TruBiotics Women’s Sugar-Free Gummies with Collagen: These sugar-free gummies provide support for optimal digestive health and urinary health with cranberry extract. They also contain collagen, biotin, and Vitamin C to nurture hair, skin, and nail health.
TruBiotics Women’s probiotics are a practical way for women to proactively address the specific challenges they face leading up to and during menopause and healthy aging, offering support for a diverse range of health needs.
Just like the fall is a seasonal transformative time, let it be a reminder to embrace the aging process gracefully. It’s crucial to recognize the changes women go through as they age, and how they can take proactive steps to support their health and well-being with science-backed products like TruBiotics Women’s probiotics. By understanding these changes and utilizing available resources, women can thrive as they age.
1 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/menopause-awareness-and-education-should-start-earlier-in-life/