As women, we have more complex needs when it comes to wellness. We have hormonal changes at different ages and stages that can lead to imbalances. We have different nutritional needs to men and due to our physical design, we are more susceptible to flora imbalances.
This is why at Clinicians, women’s wellness is our top focus. It has been great to hear from women over the years who have had amazing benefits from using a women’s product, so I thought I would share some of these key ingredients that make life a little easier for women.
1. DIM (Diindoylmethane): for healthy, happy hormones
Known as DIM for short, this is a nutrient that is commonly found in members of the cabbage (brassica) family. It is used by the liver as part of its detoxification processes and also in the processing of your hormones. This means the healthy function of your liver is very important for your hormonal health. It explains why when you have had a couple of weeks of extra indulgence with alcohol or junk foods, you might be prone to hormonal skin breakouts and periods might not go as smoothly.
In the diet, DIM is used by the liver to help it remove any excess hormones but also supports making more beneficial types of oestrogen. This makes it a helpful nutrient for women who have an abundance of oestrogen.
Clinicians Women’s Hormone Support is a 2 a-day formula containing DIM. Taken daily it supports women who need support with heavy, uncomfortable periods and breast tenderness. It can also be helpful for women who tend towards skin breakouts, especially around the chin area, before their periods.
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2. Female-specific probiotics: for healthy flora balance
The microbiome or internal flora is a hot topic. There is still so much we don’t know about the importance of different species and what their balance means to the body. However, medicines, our diet and hyper-hygiene can affect the balance and cause issues. For women, vagina and bladder flora can be disrupted by hormonal changes, the oral contraceptive, antibiotics or any topical washes, washing powder or lubricants. Also, when our gut is out of balance, yeasts and bacteria can easily migrate across the perineum and cause imbalances, itching and discomfort.
This is when we might need a top-up of beneficial bacteria to help support a healthy balance of flora in the urogenital system. The normal residents are lactobacillus bacteria, which excrete lactic acid that helps discourage less beneficial bacteria and yeast from taking over.
Clinicians Flora Restore contains the specific strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, which are native to the vaginal and bladder area. Taken orally they migrate to these areas and help to support normal bacterial and yeast levels. This can be supportive for women who struggle regularly with vaginal and bladder issues.
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3. Kwao Krua Pueraria mirifica: for menopause support
This is a little-known herb, that we found when looking for something to support the menopausal changes that occur in the vagina. It is a part of menopause that no one talks about but causes difficulties for many women.
As local oestrogen levels decline post-menopause, the vaginal tissues become more fragile and drier, which can lead to discomfort at times of intimacy. Kwao Krua originates from Thailand, where it is known as the “fountain of youth” herb. It contains phytoestrogens, which means it can support tissues in the vagina to help keep them functional and support moisture levels.
Women’s Intimacy Support is a unique oral capsule that contains Kwao Krua and Rose oil for healthy vaginal tissues and Sea Buckthorn, an omega oil that supports local moisture. It also contains Shatavari for a healthy libido. It is great for any woman looking for support with vaginal health and libido, particularly women who have noticed vaginal changes since menopause.
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4. Chaste tree – Vitex agnus-castus: for balancing hormones
As a naturopath and medical herbalist I can say this is one ingredient I could not do without in my toolbox. Chaste tree is for me the best herb to support the natural balance of our hormones.
As women we go through many hormonal changes and sometimes things can get out of balance. Our cycles can get longer or shorter or go missing for a while. Also, if our key hormones oestrogen and progesterone get out of sync it can lead to more moodiness around our cycles, breakouts, fluid imbalance and more discomfort.
Chaste tree helps by supporting our brain/ovary communications to manage our key hormone levels and support order.This makes it a great herb to use at times of change, for example when you come off the pill and need support to resume your normal cycles or during perimenopause, which is a time of great hormonal change.
Clinicians PMT Cycle Balance contains all the chaste tree you need in just one capsule daily. This is alongside other key nutrients to support smooth menstrual cycles. For instance, it has herbs such as Milk Thistle for clear skin support, Ginkgo for healthy circulation and mental clarity and Withania (Ashwagandha) for balanced mood. Key nutrients like vitamin B6 for balanced mood, zinc to support those sugar cravings and magnesium supports pelvic relaxation for period comfort.
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5. Cinnamon - Cinnamomum verum: for digestion and balancing blood sugar
This is an amazing herb, made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees, with so many benefits including a delicious taste. Its warming actions help with easing digestion and supporting healthy circulation. It is also very good at supporting blood sugar balance and sweet cravings.
Cinnamon is one of the featured herbs in Clinicians Period Comfort. This is because research shows that it supports with period discomfort. It helps to warm the pelvic area and support blood flow in this area. It is combined with another warming herb, Ginger and the traditionally soothing herb Cramp Bark. Great to take during those first uncomfortable days of your period.
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6. Carbonyl iron: for healthy blood cell levels
Poor compliance is one of the main issues with taking iron tablets to support help healthy blood cell levels. This is because many formulas can upset the stomach or cause bowel movement issues. The problem is that most formulas use large compounds of iron like ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumerate, which are hard to breakdown in the digestive system and also have low absorption rates.
Carbonyl is 98% pure iron, which means it is well absorbed and gentle on the digestive system. Clinicians Iron Boost contains carbonyl iron, combined with cofactors for iron absorption - vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin C.
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7. D-Mannose: for bladder support
This is a plant sugar traditionally sourced from birch or beech trees. It is one of the most helpful ingredients for the many women who are plagued with urinary tract challenges. D-Mannose is a simple sugar that passes through the body and is excreted via the urinary tract. As it passes through, it discourages bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, washing them out via the urine. It can be used for immediate support, or you can take it daily if bladder bother is a common occurrence.
D-Mannose is available in Clinicians Bladder Support, which is a cost-effective powder ideal for daily use. For a more portable solution, it is available in handy travel sachets in Clinicians Bladder Support & Cranberry. Here it is combined with cranberry and vitamin C, also known for supporting bladder health.
| Shop Bladder Support → | Shop Bladder Support & Cranberry → |
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