Menopause
Understanding hormonal change to innovate in Women’s Health
Menopause remains an under-addressed topic in prevention strategies, workplace health policies and the development of evidence-based solutions.
What is menopause and why does it matter?
Menopause is not a disease, but a natural physiological transition defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the progressive decline of ovarian function and a marked reduction in estrogen levels (2,3).
While this transition is part of normal aging, its impact on quality of life, long-term health and daily well-being can be substantial. Understanding the hormonal mechanisms underlying menopause is therefore a critical first step toward addressing it in an effective, responsible and evidence-based manner.
Clinically, menopause is commonly associated with a constellation of symptoms, including (4):
Hot flashes and night sweats.
Sleep disturbances.
Mood and cognitive changes.
Vaginal dryness and genitourinary symptoms.
Progressive loss of bone density.
These manifestations are not random. They reflect a systemic endocrine reorganization driven primarily by estrogen decline, with downstream effects on thermoregulation, neurotransmitter activity, bone remodeling, metabolic function and urogenital health (2,3).
The hormonal origin of menopausal symptoms
The primary driver of menopausal symptoms is the progressive and sustained decline in estrogen levels, although other hormones, such as progesterone and, to a lesser extent, androgens, also play an important role (2,3).
Hormonal decline during menopause affects thermoregulation, mood, sleep, bone metabolism and sexual health (2,3).
Table 1. Key hormonal changes during menopause and their systemic impact on women’s health.
Figure 1. Relative changes in estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH levels across the menopausal transition (adapted from Crandall et al., 2023; Pinkerton, 2020).
Importantly, the hormonal impact of menopause extends beyond the reproductive system, affecting the central nervous system, cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal integrity and the urogenital tract. Menopause should therefore be understood as a global endocrine transition, not merely a reproductive milestone (4).
Beyond hormone therapy: the role of non-hormonal approaches
Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms (3). Nevertheless, there is growing interest in non-hormonal options, particularly among women with contraindications or those seeking alternative approaches.
In this context, nutraceuticals and functional ingredients have been extensively studied as complementary strategies, provided they are selected and formulated based on scientific evidence (5,6).
Research has focused on several key approaches, including:
- Phytoestrogens (such as soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans), which may reduce hot flash intensity, especially in women capable of producing equol (7,8).
- Standardized botanical extracts, with antioxidant or neuroendocrine-modulating properties (5).
- Compounds such as resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, supporting bone health, metabolic balance and overall well-being (6).
- Specific probiotic strains, capable of influencing estrogen metabolism via the gut (6).
Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, the evidence points toward personalized, mechanism-driven strategies.
An opportunity for innovation in women’s health
The growing number of women entering menopause is driving a new wave of innovation in nutrition, supplementation and preventive health. This demographic shift represents a clear opportunity to: develop non-hormonal evidence-based solutions, address menopause from a long-term health and quality-of-life perspective, and also respond to a real, global and growing need.
Looking ahead
Menopause is a complex challenge, but also an opportunity to rethink how women are supported during a critical life stage. When translated into responsible, science-based solutions, research can make a meaningful difference.
At VIVATIS Pharma, we continue to analyze scientific evidence to support our partners in developing effective, safe and science-driven solutions aligned with the real needs of women’s health.
Are you looking for the right Ingredients?
Subscribe to our newsletter…
…or find our ingredients in the following product portfolio!
References
- Hill K. The demography of menopause. Population Stud. 1996;50(1):1–16. doi:10.1080/0032472031000149146
- Crandall CJ, Mehta JM, Manson JE. Management of menopausal symptoms: A review. JAMA. 2023;329(5):405–420. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.24140
- Pinkerton JV. Hormone therapy for postmenopausal women. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(5):446–455. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1714787
- World Health Organization. Menopause. 16 Oct 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause.
- De Franciscis P, Colacurci N, Riemma G, et al. A nutraceutical approach to menopausal complaints. Medicina. 2019;55(9):544. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090544
- Bolgova O, Shypilova I, Mavrych V. Natural strategies to optimize estrogen levels in aging women: A mini review. Front Aging. 2025;6:1706117. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2025.1706117
- Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH. Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):E2649. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112649
- Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, et al. Use of plant-based therapies and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;315(23):2554–2563. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.8012