Exploring the Benefits of AFA for Postmenopausal Women

Why Natural Options Matter
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, but it often brings challenges—hot flashes, mood changes, fatigue, and more. Many women seek natural ways to support their health during this time, avoiding hormone-based therapies due to possible side effects. One natural option under investigation is AFA (Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae), a nutrient-rich blue-green algae found in Oregon’s Klamath Lake.

What Is AFA?
AFA is a wild freshwater microalga with a unique nutritional profile. It contains:

• Phycocyanins: Natural compounds with powerful antioxidant properties
• Phenylethylamine (PEA): A mood-enhancing compound
• Natural MAO-B inhibitors: Compounds that support neurological health

Because of these bioactive components, researchers have been exploring AFA’s potential health benefits, especially for aging populations.

A Clinical Look: AFA and Menopausal Health
A study examined the effects of a two-month AFA supplementation on postmenopausal women who were not using hormone therapy. Here’s a summary of the research setup:

• Participants: 21 postmenopausal women
• Intervention: Daily supplementation with AFA extract for 60 days
• Outcomes Studied:
  • Antioxidant levels
  • Oxidative stress markers
  • General psychological well-being

Findings: What Changed After 2 Months?

✔ Reduced Oxidative Stress
The women showed significantly lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a key marker of lipid peroxidation. In simpler terms, their cells experienced less damage from oxidative stress.

✔ Improved Antioxidant Status
There was a notable increase in key antioxidants in their blood, including:

• Carotenoids
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
• Retinol (Vitamin A)

✔ Better Mood and Well-Being
The Green Scale, which assesses menopausal symptoms and psychological health, showed significant improvement—indicating a better overall sense of well-being.

No Hormonal Disruption
Importantly, AFA supplementation did not cause steroid-like changes in hormonal levels. This makes it a potential option for women who wish to avoid hormone-based treatments.

Summary
This clinical research supports the idea that AFA (Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae) can offer meaningful support for postmenopausal women by improving antioxidant defense and enhancing psychological well-being, without altering hormonal balance. While more studies are needed, the findings suggest that AFA may be a promising natural option during menopause.

*This article is adapted from the following source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19408172/