There was once a polite admonition – never ask a woman her age. This has mostly if not fully fallen by the wayside, as fewer women than ever are reticent about giving up their number.

But, when formulating and marketing health products to women, perhaps focusing on what season they may be in is more appropriate. For example, not every single 51-year-old woman is in her final year of perimenopause.

Spring: The growth phase is, of course, critical to ensure good health status later in life. In prepubertal girls, one of the most important elements is vitamin K2—with calcium and D3—to ensure sturdy, robust bone development. Osteocalcin is a protein that needs to be activated (“carboxylated”) to help ferry calcium to bones, and away from cardiovascular arteries. Vitamin K2 is known to activate osteocalcin, and this is a critical protein for growing girls. Research has shown that osteocalcin levels are 8-10 times higher in children than in adults, therefore their need for K2 is concomitant. One study demonstrated that children consuming K2 for 8 weeks had reduced inactive osteocalcin compared to baseline.

After the menarche (a girl’s first period signifying the maturing of the reproductive system), menstruating girls need more iron, as iron is depleted through the period. Lesser known or discussed is the need for folate and vitamin B-12 for developing healthy red blood cells as the body replenishes what is lost during menstruation.

Summer: As spring turns into summer, girls become young women, many of whom are besieged by premenstrual syndrome (bloating, irritability, more easily stressed), and today’s 18 – 23-year-old woman would prefer a natural product to reduce PMS stress than an OTC. PMS-relief botanicals that have a long history of use by women include Chasteberry, Black Cohosh and Dong Quai, all which help to reduce intensity of cramping, moodiness, bloating, and breast tenderness.

When planning a family or a surprise pregnancy, many obstetricians suggest consuming omega-3 essential fatty acids (DHA and EPA), along with folate. Iron and vitamin D, all of which support a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Another symptom experienced more commonly among younger (and older) women of childbearing age is high stress. Today’s woman in her 20s, 30s and 40s is more aware and knowledgeable about adaptogens, chiefly ashwagandha. There are numerous ashwagandha ingredients and products out there, but moms who are juggling full lives may shy away from having to take multiple doses during the day. Prolanza™ is a root-only ashwagandha extract standardized to 20 withanolides, and a human study showed that only 300 mg once daily significantly improved memory, focus, psychological well-being and reduced stress levels.

Autumn: Women in their mid to late 40s generally experience the transitional period prior to menopause that manifests as a bouillabaisse of annoying symptoms – irregular periods, night sweats, hot flashes (also known as vasomotor symptoms or VMS), sleep disruption or insomnia, vaginal atrophy/painful intercourse, more intense mood swings, pesky weight gain and a gradually disappearing waistline.

During this phase, women need to work harder and smarter to remain vigorous and enjoy a high sense of well-being. It is generally recommended to exercise to maintain muscle mass and strength as well as to protect bone density, Peri-menopausal women are also often told to follow habits that promote better sleep, as well as to focus more on managing stress.

To address sleep issues during this transition, melatonin is high on the list. According to the Sleep Doctor, melatonin levels tend to drop considerably during peri-menopause.

Melotime is an extended-release melatonin. Its unique release profile that helps sleep to remain steady for eight hours. Research shows that Melotime is shown to release the first 50% of the dose, followed by the remainder of the melatonin released at each 1 hour thereafter.

Data from the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Stress in America survey, found that women are more likely to internalize stress than men. The survey also found that women reported a higher average level of stress than men.

Of course, there is a co-dependent relationship between stress and sleep; life stress impairs sleep, and impaired sleep exacerbates stress. The previously mentioned Prolanza is a safe, effective choice for women to manage stress for the long term.

Winter: The golden years are meant to be thoroughly enjoyed, ticking items off the retirement bucket list and being immersed in family. While many women strive to maintain a healthy BMI, get regular checkups, and follow a healthy diet, cardiovascular health and bone health move to the top of the list of health concerns.

Reduced estrogen is implicated in the increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Annual checkups and following healthy habits help reduce the risk. Calcium figures prominently and is a bit like Jekyll and Hyde here. It helps keep bones strong, but it can also be deposited into arteries. When taking calcium supplements along with vitamin D3, it is prudent to also take K2, which has been shown to keep calcium where it belongs and away from arteries in menopausal women.

Another vitamin – C – may also have a positive impact on bone health in menopausal women. Two studies of menopausal women found that vitamin C consumption had a positive impact on bone mineral density.

Vitamin C is primarily known for immune support, and this is another benefit for post-menopausal women. C-Fence is a proprietary single-dose vitamin C that is released consistently, periodically, for 24 hours. A study showed that consuming 500 mg C-Fence improved C plasma levels which stayed well above baseline for up to 24 hours after consumption.

No matter what season a woman is in, there are numerous dietary supplements shown through science to support her health and well-being.