How supplement brand Swisse is supporting women’s health

For centuries, women’s health concerns were dismissed as ‘hysteria’. It’s taken some time, but thankfully, our understanding of women’s bodies has evolved, and so has the support available for their changing needs.

The word hysteria comes from the Greek word hystera, meaning uterus. It was once used as a medical diagnosis based on the extraordinary belief that a woman’s womb could move around her body, creating chaos as it went.

Mood changes, menstrual symptoms, cramping, faintness and menopause were among the many experiences attributed to this so-called ‘wandering womb’. When physicians couldn’t explain what was happening inside women’s bodies, hysteria became a convenient diagnosis.

While the theory has long since been discredited, gaps in our understanding of women’s health haven’t disappeared with it. Women have historically been underrepresented in medical research, leaving many female-specific conditions and experiences insufficiently understood. That lack of focus is evident close to home: it took until 2023 for Aotearoa New Zealand to introduce its first dedicated Women’s Health Strategy. Even today, women can face delayed diagnoses, minimised symptoms and healthcare that doesn’t fully account for biological differences between women and men.

Women’s bodies also aren’t static. Their hormones and nutritional needs evolve through menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and healthy ageing. Changes in mood, sleep, energy, libido, bone density, muscle mass and metabolism can all come into play—making tailored support important throughout each life stage.

Thankfully, science-backed formulas can help support these changing needs. With more than 50 years of experience in this space, Swisse has developed a range of supplements tailored to women at different stages of life.

The Swisse Women’s Multivitamin combines vitamins, minerals and herbs to support energy production, immune health and overall vitality. During the menstruating years, Swisse Cycle Balance Gummies support hormonal balance and help maintain a healthy menstrual cycle.

Recognising the vaginal microbiome as another important part of women’s wellbeing, Swisse Vaginal Health Probiotic Gummies contain one billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans per serve to contribute to vaginal health.

As women enter perimenopause, Swisse Perimenopause Balance provides targeted support for the body’s natural response to hormonal changes, supporting balanced hormone levels, mood, restful sleep, energy production, stress response and normal libido.

For later life, Swisse Women’s 50+ Multivitamin supports energy production, immune function and bone health. Swisse Menopause Balance offers further support, with black cohosh to support hormonal and temperature balance, plus calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.

Anyone reading will know that women’s health has never been one-size-fits-all. And it’s reassuring to know that moving beyond outdated ideas begins with better understanding—and support designed around the realities of the human body.

SWISSE.CO.NZ

Always read the label and use as directed. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Swisse Wellness Pty Ltd, Auckland.