From finance to perimenopause

Flamme had long wanted to be an entrepreneur, but only for a project with real purpose. At a women's health conference, she heard the word "perimenopause" for the first time. Digging deeper, she discovered a topic that is booming in the United States but rarely discussed in France—and that symptoms can appear as early as age 35.

A still highly taboo subject

• Her friends: "Why are you talking to us about this? It doesn't concern us."
• Her mother: "Perimenopause? What are you talking about?"
• In Facebook groups, where Flamme distributed surveys, women reported feeling lonely and unheard. Some say their gynecologists tell them they are "too young to be in perimenopause."

"Thank you for taking an interest in this phase. We feel so alone." This was one of the responses that convinced Flamme to get started.

A scientific committee

To develop its products, Flamme teamed up with gynecologist Dr. Jean-Philippe Lucot, followed by doctors of pharmacy for the formulation.

Perimenopause according to Flamme

It is a hormonal transition: starting around age 35-40, hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate like a "rollercoaster." Symptoms are highly varied:

• Hot flashes, brain fog, anxiety;
• Lower libido, vulvovaginal dryness;
• Dryness of other mucous membranes (eyes, mouth), itching, hair loss...

The first signs are often anxiety and sleep disturbances. Because they occur during a busy time of life, they are often blamed on stress.

A time to build good habits

Perimenopause is also the right time to start strength training and a higher-protein diet to better navigate menopause later on. This is also what gynecologist Odile Bagot advised in the series Osée Ménopausée.

The "expired" taboo

In many people's minds, perimenopause means "expired": that you can no longer have children. This is false; you can still get pregnant during perimenopause (see episode 3). For Flamme, this is one of the biggest taboos. Ginama chose humor to combat it, with the message: "You are in perimenopause, but you are not expired."

The most common symptoms

Contrary to what one might think, it wasn't hot flashes that topped the responses to its surveys, but lowered libido, recurring cystitis, and vulvovaginal dryness.

Vulvovaginal dryness

It is linked to a drop in estrogen, which dries out the mucous membranes. There are several solutions: laser treatment, local hormone-based gels, or hormone-free gels. Ginama has developed Dry is Gone, a naturally derived gel that is certified organic (Cosmos Organic) and made in France. It contains hyaluronic acid (two molecular weights), aloe vera, coconut oil, a patented pre- and postbiotic complex, and cucumber hydrosol.

⚠️ Precautions: a gel containing oil (such as coconut oil) can weaken latex condoms. Check for compatibility if you use them. And in the event of pain, bleeding, or persistent symptoms, consult a gynecologist or midwife.

Vaginal flora imbalances

Unpleasant odors, itching, unusual discharge: these are possible signs of an imbalanced flora. Sometimes, antibiotic treatment provides relief, but then the problem returns because the flora was not rebalanced. Flamme experienced this issue herself, and it is one of the reasons that drove her to develop a dedicated product.

⚠️ Precaution: these symptoms can also be a sign of an infection. If in doubt, or if symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.

A symptom-by-symptom approach

Each Ginama product targets a specific symptom: hot flashes, libido, intimate dryness, or flora. Why not put everything into a single capsule? Because symptoms vary from one woman to another, and because a capsule has a limited size. To respect the active dosages used in clinical studies, you cannot include too many ingredients.

A supplement is not a magic pill

Flamme insists: this is not a medication. Before taking a supplement, you must establish the basics (a protein-rich diet, regular physical activity). Effects are generally felt after 3 to 4 weeks, and with long-term use.

How health claims work

The benefits that can be attributed to a supplement are highly regulated. Each claim is linked to a specific ingredient: if the product contains that ingredient at the correct dosage, it can be stated that it contributes to that benefit. For example, vitamin B6 helps regulate hormonal activity, and vitamin B9 helps reduce fatigue. Flamme also points out that having a claim is not enough: you still need a sufficient dose of the active ingredient to be effective.

Hot But Cool contains saffron (standardized for crocin and safranal), borage oil, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9.

Why "phytohormone-free"?

Dr. Lucot, a gynecologist on our scientific committee, prescribes hormone therapy for perimenopause. He saw patients who refused it and turned to phytohormone-based supplements, which he considers less effective. His view: for women who could take hormone therapy but do not want to, it is better to offer a truly hormone-free alternative. Flamme notes that there are several schools of thought on this subject.

Choosing a "phytohormone-free" option also helps support:

• Women who cannot take hormones, for example, those with a history of hormone-dependent cancer (see episode 4);
• Women already on hormone therapy whose symptoms persist.

Hormone therapy should always be decided in consultation with a gynecologist. Some prescribe it as early as perimenopause, while others prefer to wait until menopause. In any case, a supplement is not a substitute for gynecological follow-up or a healthy lifestyle.

Get expert advice

Flamme recommends seeking advice before taking any supplement (from a pharmacist, midwife, or naturopath), especially if you have health issues (such as thyroid conditions) or before taking supplements containing phytohormones or adaptogens.

Destigmatizing, right down to the packaging

Fun names (Hot But Cool, Desire Dose) and pretty boxes you’ll actually want to keep in your bathroom: at Flamme, we believe products for this stage of life shouldn't look like medicine bottles with "menopause" stamped on them in big letters.

The Flamme message: "You aren't crazy, it’s not all in your head, it’s hormonal. It’s not a life sentence: there are plenty of solutions. You’re in perimenopause, but you’re not past your prime."

To find Ginama: ginama.com, and select pharmacies. Healthcare professionals can reach out to hello@ginama.com.