Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions - but that does not mean women should suffer through exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, or hormonal chaos without support.
During this stage, the nervous system, hormones, sleep cycle, stress response, metabolism, and emotional wellbeing all undergo significant changes.
Our holistic menopause collection focuses on supporting women naturally through adaptogenic herbs, nervous system support, phytoestrogenic plants, aromatherapy, mineral-rich infusions, and restorative self-care rituals.
What Happens During Perimenopause & Menopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, often beginning in a woman’s 40s, although some women notice changes earlier.
During this time, progesterone levels begin to decline, estrogen fluctuates unpredictably, and the nervous system often becomes more sensitive to stress.
These hormonal and neurological shifts can affect:
- Sleep quality
- Mood and emotional resilience
- Energy levels
- Cognitive function and memory
- Body temperature regulation
- Skin and hair
- Metabolism and weight distribution
- Stress tolerance
Menopause is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. However, many symptoms begin years earlier during perimenopause.
Common Symptoms During Perimenopause & Menopause
Physical Symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Skin and hair changes
- Vaginal dryness
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms
- Anxiety and overwhelm
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Sleep disturbances
- Stress intolerance
- Low libido
Why the Nervous System Changes During Perimenopause
Perimenopause is not only a hormonal transition - it is also a significant nervous system transition.
During this phase, progesterone levels begin to decline while estrogen fluctuates unpredictably. Progesterone has naturally calming and nervous system-supportive effects, helping many women feel emotionally stable, resilient, and able to cope with stress more easily during earlier stages of life.
As progesterone declines, the nervous system often becomes more sensitive and reactive.
At the same time, fluctuating estrogen levels can influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which play important roles in:
- Mood and emotional balance
- Sleep quality
- Stress resilience
- Cognitive function
- Energy levels
- Nervous system regulation
This is why many women suddenly begin to experience symptoms they have never struggled with before, including:
- Anxiety and overwhelm
- Sleep disturbances
- Racing thoughts
- Increased sensitivity to stress
- Mood swings and irritability
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
- Fatigue combined with restlessness
- Feeling “wired but exhausted”
- Night waking between 2–4 AM
Stress can intensify these symptoms even further. Elevated cortisol levels may worsen sleep problems, hot flashes, anxiety, cravings, fatigue, and emotional instability, creating a cycle that leaves many women feeling physically and emotionally depleted.
Supporting the nervous system during perimenopause is therefore just as important as supporting hormonal balance.
A holistic approach may include:
- Adaptogenic herbs for stress resilience
- Nervous system-supportive herbs and teas
- Mineral-rich herbal infusions
- Aromatherapy and calming rituals
- Sleep and circadian rhythm support
- Blood sugar balance
- Restorative self-care practices
When the nervous system is supported properly, many women experience improvements not only in mood and sleep, but also in energy, stress tolerance, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
Adaptogens for Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are not only hormonal transitions - they are also deeply connected to the nervous system, stress response, sleep quality, inflammation, and emotional resilience. During this phase, many women experience increased cortisol dysregulation, fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, brain fog, mood swings, and reduced stress tolerance.
This is where true adaptogenic herbs can offer valuable support.
Adaptogens are unique plants and mushrooms that help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and hormonal stress while supporting balance within the endocrine and nervous systems. Unlike hormone-specific herbs, adaptogens work more broadly to improve resilience, energy, recovery, and stress regulation.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
One of the most important adaptogens for women during perimenopause and menopause.
Traditionally used to:
- Support the nervous system
- Reduce stress-related fatigue
- Improve sleep quality
- Calm anxiety and emotional overwhelm
- Support adrenal balance
- Promote resilience during hormonal transitions
Ashwagandha is especially helpful for women experiencing:
- “Wired but tired” exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances
- Stress-induced hot flashes
- Emotional sensitivity
- Cortisol imbalance
- Nervous system burnout
Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
A deeply grounding adaptogen traditionally revered in Ayurvedic medicine.
Traditionally used to:
- Calm the nervous system
- Support emotional balance
- Reduce stress tension
- Support healthy inflammatory response
- Help stabilize blood sugar fluctuations
- Promote clarity and calm energy
Tulsi is often well suited for women who feel emotionally overstimulated, overwhelmed, or energetically depleted during hormonal transitions.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
A stimulating adaptogen traditionally used to improve mental and physical endurance.
Often used to support:
- Mental fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low motivation
- Stress-related exhaustion
- Cognitive performance
- Mood and emotional resilience
Rhodiola may be particularly helpful during periods of burnout and fatigue, although highly sensitive or anxious individuals may prefer gentler adaptogens.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Known as a longevity and vitality herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Traditionally used to support:
- Stress resilience
- Mental clarity and focus
- Energy and stamina
- Healthy aging
- Liver function and hormone metabolism
- Skin and mucosal vitality
Schisandra is particularly interesting during menopause because of its connection to vitality, endurance, and overall restoration.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Traditionally used to support stamina, recovery, and resilience during prolonged stress.
May help support:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Physical weakness
- Recovery from stress exhaustion
- Immune resilience
- Overall endurance
Eleuthero is often used when menopause symptoms are accompanied by long-term depletion and low vitality.
Important Distinction: Adaptogens vs Hormone-Modulating Herbs
Not all herbs used during menopause are adaptogens.
Some herbs work more directly with hormonal rhythms, phytoestrogenic activity, endocrine function, or the female reproductive system, including:
- Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
These herbs may support hormonal balance and menopausal wellbeing in different ways, but they are not generally classified as true adaptogens in traditional herbal medicine.
Hormone-Modulating Herbs
During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes rarely happen in a smooth or predictable way. Progesterone levels often begin to decline first, while estrogen may fluctuate significantly from month to month. These hormonal shifts can influence mood, sleep, temperature regulation, energy, cognition, skin, metabolism, and emotional wellbeing.
Hormone-modulating herbs are traditionally used to support the body during this transition by working with different aspects of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Different herbs are traditionally associated with different patterns and symptoms. Some are more commonly used for hot flashes and night sweats, while others may support hormonal rhythm, emotional balance, energy, circulation, or phytoestrogenic activity during the menopausal transition.
Because menopause affects every woman differently, hormone-modulating herbs are often chosen according to the individual pattern, symptoms, and stage of transition rather than as a single universal approach.
Phytoestrogenic Herbs
These herbs contain plant compounds that can gently interact with estrogen receptors in the body. They are often used during menopause when estrogen decline contributes to symptoms such as heat, dryness, tissue changes, and skin discomfort.
Commonly Used For:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Skin changes
- Bone support
- Tissue support during estrogen decline
Herbs:
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Hormonal Rhythm Support
These herbs are traditionally used to support hormonal communication between the brain, pituitary gland, and reproductive system. They are especially relevant during perimenopause when cycles become irregular and progesterone-related symptoms begin to appear.
Commonly Used For:
- Irregular cycles
- PMS-like symptoms during perimenopause
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings linked to cycle changes
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Progesterone-related symptoms
Herb:
Herbs for Hot Flashes & Night Sweats & Menopausal Heat
These herbs are traditionally associated with reducing excess heat, sweating, flushing, and menopausal temperature dysregulation.
Commonly Used For:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sudden heat sensations
- Sleep disruption caused by overheating
Herbs:
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Endocrine & Vitality Support
These herbs are traditionally used to support energy, vitality, stamina, and overall endocrine nourishment during periods of hormonal transition and depletion.
Commonly Used For:
- Fatigue
- Low vitality
- Reduced libido
- Hormonal exhaustion
- Physical depletion
- Emotional burnout
Herbs:
Nervous System & Emotional Hormonal Support
Hormonal fluctuations strongly affect the nervous system. These herbs are traditionally used when menopause is accompanied by anxiety, irritability, emotional sensitivity, palpitations, insomnia, or nervous tension.
Commonly Used For:
- Anxiety
- Emotional overwhelm
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Menopausal insomnia
- Palpitations
- Nervous tension
Herbs:
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Restorative & Female Tonic Herbs
These herbs are traditionally used to support nourishment, vitality, resilience, and overall wellbeing during periods of hormonal transition and depletion. Many women during perimenopause and menopause experience fatigue, emotional exhaustion, nervous system depletion, reduced vitality, and a greater need for restorative support.
Commonly Used For:
- Physical depletion
- Fatigue and weakness
- Emotional exhaustion
- Female vitality
- Pelvic comfort
- Long-term nourishment during hormonal transition
Herbs:
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
- Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Oats (Avena sativa)
Metabolic & Blood Sugar Support
Hormonal transitions can influence metabolism, cravings, weight distribution, insulin sensitivity, and energy regulation. Fluctuating hormones, chronic stress, poor sleep, and nervous system dysregulation may all contribute to metabolic changes during perimenopause and menopause.
These herbs are traditionally used to support energy balance, nourishment, blood sugar regulation, and metabolic resilience during hormonal transition.
Commonly Used For:
- Blood sugar balance
- Cravings
- Weight changes
- Energy fluctuations
- Metabolic support
Herbs:
Important to Remember
Perimenopause and menopause are highly individual experiences. Some women experience more heat and sweating, while others struggle more with anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia, dryness, emotional sensitivity, or hormonal irregularity.
This is why menopause support is rarely about a single “best herb.” Different herbs support different patterns, symptoms, and stages of hormonal transition.
Ginevítex® during perimenopause and menopause
Ginevítex® contains Vitex agnus-castus, a plant traditionally used to support female hormonal rhythm during periods of hormonal transition and fluctuation.
Vitex is especially associated with:
- Irregular cycles during perimenopause
- PMS-like symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Hormonal mood fluctuations
- Emotional sensitivity linked to cycle changes
- Progesterone-related patterns
Rather than acting like a hormone replacement, Vitex is traditionally valued for its influence on the communication between the pituitary gland and the reproductive system.
Because hormonal patterns during perimenopause are highly individual, Vitex is often used as part of a broader holistic approach that may also include nervous system support, sleep support, mineral replenishment, stress management, and restorative self-care practices.
Challenges in Menopause
What is the difference between Perimenopause, Menopause, Post-menopause?
How Ginevítex® Changed My Life
In my journey of menopause, I have searched for and tried many natural solutions including the topical use of essential oils and oral/topical use of hydrosols, and as they do help me a lot, I needed a supplement that could “work” long-term inside my body to balance my hormones.
I had a lot of hot flashes, night sweats, and heart palpitations (could not sleep on my left side, because it felt like my heart was pondering into the mattress), hard to fall asleep, and always woke up in the middle of the night 2-3 am and laying in bed for 2-3 hours without sleep, exhausted during the day and feeling sad, angry, happy in a rollercoaster of emotions.
I love to read and educate myself, but brain fog made me feel so frustrated. I had difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, feeling mentally sluggish or slow, and trouble finding the right words. Lack of sexual interest combined with dry vaginal walls and lack of feeling feminine didn’t make my self-esteem and self-worth any better.
I moved to Spain in June 2023, and when I found Ginevítex®, I was so excited about how many women wrote 5-star reviews on how Ginevítex® has helped them, so I decided to order it and try it for myself. I read every page on their website and therefore decided to stress less and meditate regularly, journaling and spending time with myself to find out what I want and what makes me smile and feel happy. Who am I and what are my core values that I will cherish and live by?
After using it for three months, I started to feel more grounded in myself, my feelings were more stable, and I felt closer to myself knowing who I am and who I aspire to be. The heart palpitations stopped, and the hot flashes started to come further and further apart, I started to sleep until 4-5 am and be awake for only an hour. After using it for more than six months, I feel great! I usually sleep all night, no more heart palpitations, no more hot flashes and night sweats, some nights I get warm, but then I know it is because I had a glass of wine that evening. The vaginal dryness is better and using the organic hazelnut oil is a real game-changer!
Because of my amazing results with Ginevítex®, I wanted to make this wonderful product available to all women in the EU, and we agreed to cooperate.
Dear sister, it's time to reclaim the joy of being a woman. No more pain, no more frustration, just pure love and self-care. Let's embark on a journey of embracing our femininity with open hearts and radiant smiles.
I believe that every woman deserves to experience the fullness of her femininity without being hindered by discomfort or negativity. Let's break away from the societal norms that suppress our natural rhythms and embrace the beauty of our nature.
This journey starts with self-love and compassion. It's about understanding our bodies, honoring their needs, and treating ourselves with the tenderness we deserve. It's about cultivating a sense of empowerment and self-worth, knowing that our unique experiences do not define us but rather make us extraordinary.
Together, we can create a world where women feel understood, supported, and celebrated for their femininity, every single day. Let's embrace the joy, and radiate the love that lies within us.
Love Susann
Founder of elliotti.com
Me with my Boston Terrier Divi 💖