Women’s health supplements: Advances in menopause support, probiotics, and metabolic health

From the rise of “stackable” modular supplements to the integration of postbiotics in mood-boosting formulas, the women’s health industry is pivoting toward more holistic solutions. As open dialogues surrounding menopause, perimenopause, and hormonal fluctuations move into the mainstream, consumers are now leveraging AI-assisted search and social media to demand high-performance ingredients that offer transparency and efficacy. 

Nutrition Insight speaks to Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, Novonesis, ADM, TriNutra, Saanroo, and GC Rieber VivoMega about the latest market insights and product innovations for women’s menopause, mood, and metabolic wellness.

“The rise of open conversations around menopause, hormonal changes, and women specific conditions — as well as the influence of social media, influencers, and now AI assisted search — means women approach health decisions with greater knowledge, higher expectations, and less tolerance for ambiguity,” details Marcia da Silva Pinto, PhD category manager at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients.

She adds that recent market research highlights several interesting dynamics in women’s health. “First, there is a clear shift in consumer expectations: women are no longer interested in products that do not have solid science backing up the claimed benefits.”

“They actively look for real clinical outcomes, and transparent communication around efficacy. Convenience is equally important — formats that are easy to use, enjoyable, and fit seamlessly into daily routines continue to gain traction.”

Demographically, Da Silva Pinto says that postmenopausal women remain a key growth segment. However, there is emerging interest among pre-menopausal women (perimenopause) who are experiencing hormone-related changes. This opens opportunities for brands to rethink how hormonal health is addressed across life stages.

“Markets showing the highest activity include North America and Asia, where innovation in delivery formats and science-backed ingredients is especially vibrant,” she adds. “In terms of ingredient trends, demand remains strong for clinically validated solutions targeting menopause, skin health, metabolic balance, and mood support.”

Anne Karina Riise, commercial industry manager at Novonesis, echoes this sentiment. “One of the most interesting shifts is how quickly the category is expanding. Vaginal health remains strong, but there’s growing interest in areas like mood, sleep, fertility, metabolic wellness, and menopause support.”

Probiotic potencies

Riise observes that “prevention is becoming a lifestyle” among younger women entering the women’s health category, while older women are asking for more targeted, high-quality options. “Probiotics remain a standout, especially strain combinations like Urex or Astarte.”

Targeted post- and probiotic solutions for women are trending for their support of holistic wellness concerns.

She highlights that Novonesis’ Astarte supports a healthy vaginal microbiome, while Urex is offered as “the world’s most documented probiotics for women’s urogenital health.”

“We selectively invest in promising new strains to shape the next generation of strong probiotic solutions.”

In other research-backed microbiome solutions, ADM highlights its Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 postbiotic, which supports women in different life stages. It showed potential to boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety in healthy young women (with an average age of 21.5) experiencing premenstrual symptoms.

“Additionally, L. gasseri CP2305 postbiotic may support positive changes in physiological and emotional parameters in women experiencing menopause based on two validated questionnaires,” says Alicia Humpert, global marketing director, Microbiome at ADM.

“We also continue to research phytoestrogens like soy isoflavones,” she continues. “Our Novasoy soy isoflavones may reduce the number and frequency of hot flashes in women experiencing the stages of menopause.”

“It also may help maintain healthy bones and support memory and mental flexibility postmenopause. Preliminary findings from a 2025 study with postmenopausal women saw a correlation between women who produced higher levels of S-equol (a gut-derived metabolite formed from soy isoflavones) and positive effects on under-eye skin smoothness, skin hydration, and barrier function.”

Mood boosters

Holistic women’s health supplements that support healthy cortisol levels while directly and indirectly affecting multiple health conditions are trending.

“This could be due to various factors, mainly because of generally increased feelings of stress, global instability, and more awareness, research, and knowledge of women’s specific conditions, such as hormonal swings in multiple life stages,” says Liki von Oppen-Bezalel, business development director at TriNutra.

“All of these coincide with the shift away from pharmaceuticals to dietary supplements, specifically herbal ingredients, alone or combined.”

TriNutra’s ThymoQuin is a US pharmacopeia-grade, proprietary, standardized black seed oil supported by clinical research for cortisol regulation and overall health. In a four-week clinical study, 500 mg per day of ThymoQuin reduced cortisol levels by 44%, improved mood by 11%, and lowered upper respiratory tract complaints by 62% versus placebo.

“Additional studies demonstrate benefits for metabolic and cardiometabolic health, including improved fat metabolism, reduced inflammatory fat, balanced blood pressure, and enhanced mitochondrial and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production — key markers of resilience and women’s health support,” notes Von Oppen-Bezalel.

Modular and stackable solutions

Saanroo’s women’s health portfolio is shifting toward modular, stackable solutions that provide formulators with flexibility across benefits, formats, and life stages.

TriNutra’s ThymoQuin is a proprietary, standardized black seed oil supported by clinical research for cortisol regulation and overall health.The company’s latest innovations in women’s health emphasize combining clinically researched ingredients with advanced delivery technologies that promote consistent use and formulation flexibility.

“Instead of single-issue solutions, we are developing ingredients that support whole-person wellness across different life stages, including vitality, comfort, metabolic health, and healthy aging,” says Maggie McNamara, VP of global marketing at Saanroo.

“For instance, Libifem [fenugreek extract] has been clinically proven to enhance libido and muscle strength, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Levagen [palmitoylethanolamide] aids cognitive function, mood, sleep, recovery, and PMS symptoms. Affron [saffron extract] helps with stress, sleep, and mood, while Trpti [oleoylethanolamide] increases GLP-1 production in the body, supporting metabolic and gut health.”

Resveratrol’s potency

In key research highlights, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients invested in what became the largest and longest clinical study exploring the effects of Veri-te resveratrol supplementation on key health outcomes in postmenopausal women.

“The RESHAW study (Resveratrol for Healthy Aging in Women) resulted in four peer-reviewed publications demonstrating significant benefits across cognition, bone health, and menopausal symptoms,” says Da Silva Pinto.

“Building on this foundation, we recently published the first clinical study evaluating the effects of orally administered resveratrol on skin health. This milestone provides robust, science-based evidence that resveratrol can deliver beauty-from-within benefits.”

“Together, these findings position Veri-te resveratrol as a next-generation ingredient for women’s health across multiple life stages,” she notes.

Omega-3 in the spotlight

Merethe Thomassen, marketing and communications manager at GC Rieber VivoMega, sees growing interest in women’s health products where omega-3 supports key benefits such as mood, healthy aging, and maternal health, including pre- and post-natal nutrition.

Gummies remain a fast-growing format, especially among younger consumers, alongside emerging options such as liquid shots and oral strips.In these areas, GC Rieber VivoMega markets its omega-3 concentrates from fish oil and algae for women’s health support “at every life stage.” “VivoMega oils provide pure eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3s, free from contaminants and unnecessary fatty acids, ensuring women receive the optimal dose of these essential nutrients,” says Thomassen.

“Our marine-derived and vegan options are produced to industry-leading quality standards, including low total oxidation value and responsible use of raw materials, leaving virtually no waste. Our proprietary processes guarantee consistent quality, stability, and a pleasant sensory experience, making it easier for women to incorporate omega-3s into their daily wellness routines.”

Trending functional formats

Humpert at ADM highlights that an emerging segment of women prefer functional foods and beverages. “Enjoyability and convenience drive the interest in foods and beverages tailored to supporting women’s health,” she notes.

“Formats like chocolate squares, gummies, and carbonated soft drinks bridge the gap between supplements and foods or beverages, offering women optionality, indulgence, and functionality in convenient bites or sips.”

Adding to this, Riise at Novonesis says gummies remain a fast-growing format, especially among younger consumers, alongside emerging options such as liquid shots and oral strips.

“However, many women still prefer traditional formats, particularly capsules, which are associated with efficacy and ease of use.”