A woman's life phases can be divided into the following

girl, young woman, woman on the threshold, woman in transition, and the transformed woman.

Each of these phases presents specific health challenges, which she addresses with a focus on holistic methods for relief and support:

1. During adolescence, which begins around the age of 13, symptoms such as acne, menstrual pain, and mood swings predominate. These symptoms are often due to hormonal changes that accompany the onset of menstruation. Irregularities are normal in the early years, as the hormonal system is first establishing itself. Frequent menstrual pain and a progesterone deficiency in the second half of the cycle lead to premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, water retention, and headaches in many young women. According to her, these symptoms can be supported with herbs such as lady's mantle and yarrow, as well as dietary adjustments rich in magnesium and iron.

2. In middle adulthood (20 to around 40 years of age), issues such as cycle regulation and the desire to have children come to the fore. For women who suffer from menstrual disorders such as heavy or irregular bleeding, herbal preparations such as chasteberry can help regulate the cycle. If you want to have children, it is helpful to support the excretory organs such as the liver, kidneys and lymph with phytotherapeutics (e.g. dandelion and milk thistle) in order to prepare the body for pregnancy.

3. Menopause - the changing woman: For women who are going through menopause (around 45 to 55 years of age), the challenges shift again. This phase is often accompanied by a wave-like drop in hormone levels, which can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, sleep disorders, hot flashes and joint pain. Menstrual disorders often become more severe, and cycle lengths become irregular, which is a stressful change for many women. During this phase, it is crucial to support the hormonal changes with targeted measures. Naturally identical hormones, which can be administered in low doses under laboratory control if necessary, can alleviate symptoms such as sleep disturbances or breast tenderness.

Another focus is the psychosocial significance of menopause: For many women, this phase marks a biographical and emotionally challenging time. During this time, they reorient themselves and ask important questions about their lives. How menopause is dealt with is strongly influenced by culture. In cultures where women are valued and respected as they age, women experience few symptoms. This finding highlights the close connection between psychological well-being and physical health.

4. Support in Postmenopause – The Transformed Woman

During the postmenopausal phase, women also frequently suffer from hot flashes, dry mucous membranes, joint pain, and an increased susceptibility to osteoporosis. Plant-based phytoestrogens such as lignans from flaxseed and isoflavones from soy products can help gently support oestrogen levels and relieve symptoms. Furthermore, the importance of an active lifestyle with regular exercise, a calorie-conscious diet, and mindful practices such as yoga and Qi Gong meditation is highly recommended.

In summary, women should be supported holistically and individually at every stage of life. From adolescence through adulthood to postmenopause, the female body is in constant change. Not only physical but also psychological and social factors play a key role. Self-care, a conscious lifestyle, and the use of herbal remedies can help overcome the challenges of each phase. The natural cycle is an important part of femininity, and each phase of life brings with it its own strengths and qualities.

Text taken from the magazine Internationaler Bodenseekongress 2024 pp. 32-34, SFGU yearly report 2024