Supplements for Menopause

The Benefits of Using Bovine Organ Complex And Shatavari for Menopause and Female Wellness!

By Dr. Daniel Rocha, DN LMT, CPT CNS

Menopause brings a range of symptoms due to a decline in ovarian estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and changes in energy or cognitive function. 

What is a Bovine Organ Complex?

Bovine organ complex is a holistic and integrative health practice as a potential support for menopause and overall female wellness. A bovine organ complex typically refers to an extract or blend derived from various organs of cows (bovine). 

Common organs used include:

Liver

Heart

Kidney

Uterus

Ovaries 

Fallopian Tubes

Thyroid (which is used in some thyroid prescriptions)

These products are marketed as “bioavailable” sources of nutrients, aiming to replicate some aspects of the nutrient profile found in whole tissues.

Why Some People Consider Organ Complexes for Menopause

Nutrient Density: Organs are nutrient-dense, containing vitamins (e.g., A, B vitamins, iron, zinc) and minerals that support metabolic and hormonal processes.

Support for Hormone Metabolism: Certain nutrients are involved in hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Protein and Amino Acids: High-quality proteins and bioactive peptides from organs support tissue repair, skin, hair, and overall vitality.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potential: Organ tissues contain compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties that help with menopause-related symptoms influenced by oxidative stress or inflammation.

Potential Benefits for Female Wellness

Beyond menopause, the bovine organ complex is sometimes used for broader wellness goals:

Energy and Vitality: Nutrient-dense organ tissues contribute to overall energy after addressing deficiencies.

Mood and Cognitive Support: B vitamins, minerals, and neuroactive peptides support mood and cognitive function.

Skin, Hair, and Nails: Nutrients like collagen precursors, amino acids, and minerals improve connective tissue health.

Evidence and Considerations

Scientific Evidence: There is limited high-quality clinical evidence directly linking bovine organ complexes to menopause symptom relief. Some nutrients in organs (iron, B vitamins, zinc) have established roles in health, but the specific practice of taking organ extracts lacks long-term randomized trials.

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for women's health. Renowned for its adaptogenic and nutritive properties, it has gained popularity as a natural support for menopause symptoms and overall female wellness.

Active constituents: Saponins (including shatavari saponins), flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, and minerals, which contribute to its nourishing and hormonal-supportive effects.

Why Shatavari for Menopause?

Shatavari is believed to support:

Hormonal balance and reproductive vitality: By acting as a gentle, nourishing tonic, shatavari help modulate the stress-hormone axis (HPA axis) and support overall endocrine function.

Hydration and mucous membranes: Traditionally considered to nurture reproductive tissues and mucous membranes, aiding vaginal dryness.

Mood and stress resilience: As an adaptogen, it helps the body respond to stress, improving mood and sleep quality.

Energy and vitality: Nutrient-dense cordials support overall vitality during aging.

Evidence and Mechanisms

Clinical evidence: Modern randomized trials on shatavari for menopause symptoms are limited and heterogeneous. Some small studies and traditional use suggest improvements in symptoms such as vaginal dryness and general well-being, but large-scale trials are lacking. As with many herbal remedies, results can vary among individuals.

Potential Benefits for Menopause and Female Wellness

Menopause symptom relief: Reduction in hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness when used as part of a broader wellness routine.

Mood and sleep support: Adaptogenic properties aid with stress resilience and sleep quality.

Digestive comfort: Traditionally used to support digestive health and energy..

General Guidelines

Start with Low Doses and Monitor. 

If approved by a clinician, begin with a low dose and monitor for efficacy and tolerability. Track symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep quality, energy, mood, and any adverse reactions.  Take with food if possible to reduce stomach upset. Consistency matters; benefits may become more noticeable with regular use over weeks to months

Be Mindful of Safety Signals

Report any allergic reactions, digestive upset, or unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional. Discontinue use if there are signs of intolerance or if laboratory tests suggest abnormalities (e.g., iron levels).

Lifestyle Synergy for Menopause Wellness

Hormonal health during menopause is influenced by sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and social support. Combining organ-based approaches with evidence-based strategies like weight-bearing exercise, a fiber-rich diet, and mindfulness practices is a holistic approach that will address menopausal symptoms. 

Phytoestrogens: Foods like flaxseed, soy, and legumes have compounds that may modulate estrogenic activity.

Vitamin and Mineral Support: Adequate calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins support bone and metabolic health during menopause.

Herbal Supports: Black cohosh, dong quai, or maca are commonly discussed, though evidence varies and should be used cautiously with medical supervision.

Adequate hydration: Drinking the RDA-recommended eight, eight-ounce glasses may be too little, as one must consider the environment one lives in and physical activity practices. 

Regular physical activity: Moderate exercise (walking, yoga, swimming) supports bone health, mood, and sleep.

Sleep hygiene: A consistent sleep schedule, a dark, quiet environment, and limiting caffeine late in the day can reduce nighttime symptoms.

Stress management: Daily mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle stretching are recommended. 

Hormone Therapy (HT): For some women, HT is appropriate under physician supervision to manage moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Bovine organ complex may offer a nutrient-dense approach to supporting menopause and overall female wellness for some individuals. However, solid clinical evidence specific to menopause remains limited, and safety, sourcing quality, and individual health status are critical considerations. Shatavari is a time-honored herb celebrated in Ayurveda for supporting women's health and vitality, including during menopause. While promising as a gentle, nourishing supplement, it is not a replacement for medical care. A collaborative discussion with a healthcare professional can help determine if these supplements align with your health goals and risk profile.

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