Women's hormonal health is a dynamic process that changes throughout life. From irregular menstrual cycles and premenstrual symptoms during the reproductive years to the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and the transition into menopause, many women seek natural ways to support their wellbeing.
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains an important option for many women, increasing interest has focused on botanical and nutritional approaches that may help support hormonal balance, comfort and quality of life. Among the most widely researched natural ingredients are Dong Quai Root Extract (Angelica sinensis), Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis), Hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus) and Atlantic Kelp Powder (Ascophyllum nodosum).
Together, these ingredients provide a unique combination of traditional herbal wisdom and modern scientific investigation that may help women navigate menstrual irregularities, perimenopause and menopause naturally.
Understanding Hormonal Change
Hormones regulate numerous physiological processes including menstrual cycles, fertility, mood, sleep, temperature regulation, metabolism and bone health.
As women approach their forties, ovarian function gradually changes. Oestrogen and progesterone production become less predictable, often resulting in:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy or light bleeding
- Mood fluctuations
- Night sweats
- Hot flushes
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced energy
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced libido
This transition period, known as perimenopause, may last several years before menopause is reached, defined as twelve consecutive months without menstruation.
Supporting the body both nutritionally and botanically during this time may help ease some of these changes.
Dong Quai Root Extract (Angelica sinensis)
Often referred to as the "female ginseng" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong Quai has been used for more than 2,000 years to support women's reproductive health.
Traditionally, Dong Quai has been used for:
- Irregular menstruation
- Menstrual discomfort
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Recovery following childbirth
- Menopausal support
Dong Quai contains a variety of biologically active compounds including ferulic acid, ligustilide and polysaccharides which may influence circulation, smooth muscle function and inflammatory pathways.
Research suggests that Dong Quai may help support healthy menstrual function and has frequently been included in herbal combinations designed for menopausal support. Although clinical findings remain mixed, its long history of traditional use has made it one of the most respected herbs in women's health.
Importantly, Dong Quai is not considered a direct source of oestrogen. Rather, researchers believe it may exert modulatory effects that help support the body's natural hormonal adaptation processes.
Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has a long history of use for women's health, particularly for managing excessive perspiration and menopausal discomfort.
Modern scientific research has generated increasing interest in Sage for the management of menopausal symptoms.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis examining clinical trials involving postmenopausal women concluded that Salvia officinalis demonstrated significant potential for reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes. The authors noted that phytoactive compounds within Sage may contribute to its beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms.
The primary active constituents include:
- Rosmarinic acid
- Carnosic acid
- Essential oils
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic compounds
These compounds exhibit antioxidant activity and may influence neurotransmitter pathways involved in temperature regulation and mood.
Many women report improvements in:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Mood stability
- Mental clarity
- Overall wellbeing
As a result, Sage has become one of the most widely used botanical ingredients in supplements for menopausal support.
Hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus)
Known primarily as an ingredient in brewing, Hops has emerged as one of the most scientifically interesting herbs for menopause support.
Researchers have identified several prenylated flavonoids within Hops, including 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), which is regarded as one of the most potent naturally occurring phytoestrogens discovered to date.
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds capable of interacting with oestrogen receptors in the body.
Clinical and laboratory research suggests that Hops may support:
- Hot flush reduction
- Sleep quality
- Mood balance
- Menopausal comfort
Several studies have demonstrated favourable effects of standardised Hops extracts on vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Researchers have suggested that the phytoestrogenic activity of Hops may help explain these benefits.
In addition to hormonal support, Hops may also promote relaxation and restful sleep through interactions with GABA-related pathways in the nervous system.
This dual action makes Hops particularly attractive for women experiencing both hot flushes and sleep disturbances during perimenopause and menopause.
Atlantic Kelp Powder (Ascophyllum nodosum)
Atlantic Kelp is a nutrient-rich brown seaweed harvested from the cold waters of the North Atlantic.
Unlike the botanical ingredients discussed above, Atlantic Kelp provides nutritional support rather than phytoestrogenic activity.
It is naturally rich in:
- Iodine
- Trace minerals
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Fucoidans
- Polyphenols
Adequate iodine intake is essential for healthy thyroid hormone production.
The thyroid gland plays a critical role in:
- Energy production
- Metabolic rate
- Temperature regulation
- Mood
- Cognitive performance
Many symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction can overlap with menopausal symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations and reduced concentration.
Atlantic Kelp therefore provides valuable nutritional support that may help maintain healthy thyroid function when consumed within appropriate dietary guidelines.
The ABO Blood Type Perspective
Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, author of Eat Right 4 Your Type and pioneer of the eating right for your unique blood type concept, proposed that individual responses to foods and botanicals may vary according to ABO blood group characteristics.
Within his nutritional protocols, Dr. D'Adamo frequently discussed the importance of personalised nutrition and suggested that certain herbs may offer differing levels of benefit depending on blood type.
While the scientific community has not reached consensus regarding his blood type diet theory, Dr. D'Adamo's work helped popularise the concept that personalised healthcare should recognise biological individuality.
His approach emphasises:
- Individual biochemical differences
- Personalised nutrition
- Targeted supplementation
- Lifestyle factors that support hormonal balance
For women experiencing menstrual irregularities, perimenopause or menopause, this perspective aligns with the growing movement toward personalised nutrition and individualised wellness strategies.
Although specific clinical trials investigating Dong Quai, Sage, Hops or Atlantic Kelp according to ABO blood type remain limited, Dr. D'Adamo's work highlights the importance of recognising that nutritional and botanical interventions may not produce identical responses in every individual. Every single one of us is of course unique. As part of his Female Balancing Protocols, Dr. D'Adamo does recommend that Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is beneficial for blood type AB women for Menustrual Cycle Disorders, and for blood type B as part of his Menopause Support Protocols.
A Synergistic Approach to Women's Health
When combined, Dong Quai, Sage, Hops and Atlantic Kelp offer complementary mechanisms of support:
Dong Quai - supports traditional female reproductive wellness and menstrual health.
Sage - helps address hot flushes, sweating and menopausal discomfort.
Hops - provides phytoestrogenic support and may promote better sleep and emotional balance.
Atlantic Kelp - delivers essential minerals and iodine to support healthy thyroid and metabolic function.
Together, these ingredients represent a holistic strategy that addresses multiple aspects of women's wellbeing during hormonal transition.
Final Thoughts
Menstrual irregularities, perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of a woman's life, yet they can present significant physical and emotional challenges.
Botanical ingredients such as Dong Quai Root Extract (Angelica sinensis), Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis), Hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus) and Atlantic Kelp Powder (Ascophyllum nodosum) offer promising natural support backed by centuries of traditional use and an expanding body of scientific research.
While no supplement can stop the natural ageing process, carefully selected herbal and nutritional ingredients may help support comfort, balance and quality of life during these important transitions.
As with all nutritional supplements, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a medical condition should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before use.
References
1. Moradi M, Ghavami V, Niazi A, et al. The Effect of Salvia officinalis on Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery. 2023.
2. Štulíková K, Karabín M, Nešpor J, Dostálek P. Therapeutic Perspectives of 8-Prenylnaringenin, a Potent Phytoestrogen from Hops. Molecules. 2018.
3. Stevens JF, Page JE. The Pharmacognosy of Humulus lupulus L. (Hops) with an Emphasis on Estrogenic Properties. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2004.
4. Abdi F, Mobedi H, Mosaffa N, Dolatian M. Hop (Humulus lupulus) for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms: Review of Current Evidence.
5. D'Adamo PJ, Whitney C. Eat Right 4 Your Type. Putnam Publishing.
6. D'Adamo PJ. Live Right 4 Your Type. Penguin Books.
7. D'Adamo PJ, Whitney C. Eat Right For Your Type Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Penguin. 2002.
8. WebMD. Ascophyllum nodosum: Overview, Uses and Nutritional Properties.
About the Author - Paul Hopfensperger MIfHI
Paul Hopfensperger is a Naturopathic Health Coach at Body and Mind Studio International® and is a United Kingdom based Fellow cum laude and Master Instructor for Dr. Peter J D'Adamo's Institute for Human Individuality. He specialises in Blood Type Nutrition™ consultancy and services. He was the first and only person from the UK to attend the inaugural OPUS23 Genomic Bioinformatics training seminar conducted by Dr D'Adamo at the Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine, University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, USA in April 2016. Paul also holds a CIBTAC diploma in Diet and Nutrition, and a post graduate diploma in Chinese Nutritional Therapy from The College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. Paul is also a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member and International #1 Best-selling Author.
Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Body and Mind Studio International® blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
