Cape Town – [ 07 March 2024] – Honest Hormones, a woman-owned company creating evidence-based solutions to women’s health issues, has launched two innovative new products aimed at managing painful endometriosis and the side effects of hormonal birth control.

Backed by four years of research and lab testing, the two new formulations are part of a series of new products that Honest Hormone will be releasing in South Africa in 2024 to help women take control of their endocrine, reproductive and hormonal health.

The company was founded in 2020 by Giada Bertola, who was seeking relief from her own endometriosis symptoms. In 2023, Honest Hormones’ parent company Erotology was named as one of 30 game changing healthcare startups in Africa and the Middle East by the Bayer Foundation in 2023. In 2021, it was also named African winner in the Tie Women Global Pitch competition, for female-led startups.

“Millions of women around the world are impacted by hormonal issues, ranging from abnormal periods and menopause, to endometriosis and PCOS which are often overlooked, underestimated, or ignored. These products are a culmination of my personal journey and our commitment to giving women options to manage their health holistically and effectively,” says Bertola.

Endo Care: the first evidence-based supplement care for endometriosis

Research shows that between 5-10% of women of reproductive age, or about 190 million women globally, are impacted by endometriosis. The condition can cause extreme pain, fatigue, infertility, as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

There is no cure for the chronic condition, but it is possible to manage its symptoms. Early diagnosis and management are essential to managing its progression, however it often goes undiagnosed.

Formulated using turmeric, rooibos, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals, Endo Care can help women manage the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. The formulation does not make use of ingredients such as red raspberry leaf, chasteberry or don quai, because of their possible phyto-estrogenic side effects and interactions with other medications and hormonal therapies commonly used to manage the condition.

“Having personally experienced the challenges of endometriosis, I understand the need for effective and inclusive solutions and awareness around its impact, not just on women, but on their families, their work, and on society at large. It is actually quite timeous that we are releasing this product during Endometriosis Awareness month,” Bertola says.

Birth Control Balance- A First for Compatible Hormonal Support:

Birth Control Balance is specifically designed to support women using hormonal birth control. While hormonal birth control such as the oral contraceptive, implants and the injection are popular methods for family planning, they are not without side effects ranging from mood swings and headaches, to more severe side effects such as hypertension.

With a blend of vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and botanical extracts, Birth Control Balance:

• Promotes hormonal balance by addressing common concerns like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), menstrual cramps, and perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms.
• Enhances overall well-being combining multi-vitamin support alongside hormonal benefits.
• Is safe to use in conjunction with hormonal birth control, allowing women to benefit from the safety of birth control, while also managing its side effects.

The patented formula contains ashwagandha and African ginger, coupled with minerals like magnesium, zinc and calcium and vitamins A,B,C,D and E.

“Research shows that certain herbal compounds interact with a range of medications ranging from birth control to SSRIs used in the treatment of depression. Untested combinations of these supplements can result in negative side effects, which is why our testing has been so stringent, and why we are fully transparent about all our ingredients,” Bertola says.

Both products are all-natural and vegan friendly. They are produced using local ingredients, in a facility with FDA, BRC, ISO, FCS 22000 certifications.

They are available online on their site, through Faithful to Nature and soon My C and Zoie Health.