Hormones don’t stay still. From the first menstrual cycle in the teenage years to the hormonal shifts of menopause decades later, a woman’s body is constantly adjusting to changing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. Each life stage brings its own version of “normal,” and its own set of challenges.
The Reproductive Years: A Monthly Rhythm
During the reproductive years, a woman’s body runs on a roughly month-long hormonal cycle: estrogen rises in the first half to prepare the body for potential pregnancy, then progesterone takes over after ovulation. When this rhythm is disrupted, whether by everyday premenstrual symptoms or a more significant hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the effects on cycle regularity, skin, and day-to-day comfort can be considerable.
Perimenopause and Menopause: A Shifting Baseline
Perimenopause, the transition period before periods stop completely, often starts in a woman’s 40s. Estrogen and progesterone levels don’t decline steadily during this stage, they fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, which is what makes periods, sleep, and mood feel unpredictable during this window. Menopause itself is reached after twelve consecutive months without a period, marking a more settled, lower-estrogen phase, though the transition to get there is often what causes the most noticeable symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep.
What Botanical Research Says
A number of botanical extracts have been studied for their role in supporting women through these hormonal transitions. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), for example, has been tested specifically in perimenopausal women: in an eight-week trial of 100 women, those taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily saw significantly greater improvement in menopause symptom scores than a placebo group, along with measurable increases in estradiol and decreases in FSH and LH (Gopal et al., 2021). Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), meanwhile, has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine specifically associated with women’s health, owing to steroidal saponins in its root that are studied for gentle, phytoestrogen-like activity. Both are botanical extracts NaturMed Scientific offers in standardized form.
Serebelle: What the Clinical Data Shows
Serebelle is NaturMed Scientific’s standardized Shatavari root extract, and unlike many botanical ingredients in this space, it has been tested in two separate, registered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, each targeting a different life stage.
In women aged 20–35 with PCOS-related hormonal imbalance (n=60, 84 days), Serebelle made a real difference compared to placebo. Ovarian volume dropped by 21%, cyst size shrank by 41%, and follicle count fell by 21% (p<0.0001). By the end of the trial, 62% of women taking Serebelle had ovarian volume back in a healthy range, compared to just 7% on placebo. Insulin sensitivity improved, testosterone levels came down, and a hormone called SHBG went up, all better than placebo. Hirsutism and acne scores improved too (Kondamudi et al., 2025).
In early perimenopausal women aged 40–50 (n=75, 120 days), both the 50 mg and 100 mg daily doses of Serebelle cut total menopause symptom scores by 51–73%, compared to just a 23% improvement on placebo (p<0.001). Hot flashes eased by up to 40% at the higher dose, while they got slightly worse in the placebo group. FSH, a hormone that rises as menopause approaches, dropped by up to 61%, and LH fell by up to 43%. AMH, a marker of ovarian reserve, rose by as much as 270% at the higher dose. All of these changes were significantly better than both the starting point and placebo (p<0.001) (Yadav et al., 2025).
In both trials, Serebelle was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Both studies were funded by Chemiloids Life Sciences, which is worth noting for transparency; independent replication would add further confidence to these results.
A Few Honest Caveats
Botanical research in this space is still growing. Hormonal symptoms can also overlap with other health conditions, such as thyroid issues, so anyone experiencing significant or persistent symptoms should speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. What research does show so far is genuinely encouraging, but it should be read as one part of a broader, personalised approach to women’s health.
Note:The ingredients discussed in this article are food supplement ingredients, not licensed medicinal products, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consumers with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medication are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
References
Gopal, S., Ajgaonkar, A., Kanchi, P., Kaundinya, A., Thakare, V., Chauhan, S. and Langade, D. (2021) ‘Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study’, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 47(12), pp. 4414–4425. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15030
Kondamudi, S., Sadu, S., Deva, S., Yalamanchi, A. and Yalamanchi, A. (2025) ‘CL22209, a standardized Asparagus racemosus root extract, demonstrates improved ovarian morphology, menstrual regularity, and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in a randomized, controlled trial’, Food & Nutrition Research, 69, article 13244. Available at: https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v69.13244
Yadav, P., Yadav, S., Vedururu, S.S. and Kumari, G. (2025) ‘Clinical assessment of CL22209, a standardized proprietary extract of Asparagus racemosus, for mitigating vasomotor and menstrual symptoms in perimenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study’, Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 15(7), pp. 415–443. Available at:https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v15i7.1684
Disclaimer:The Statement has not been evaluated by the EFSA, KFDA or FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While the information provided is based on credible references, we do not make any specific claims or guarantees. It is important to consult with your healthcare advisor for personalized advice and guidance related to your health.
