Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Reviewed by
Michelle Ordner, Registered Nurse
If you’ve been following our perimenopause series, you already know that this life stage is more than just hormonal shifts — it’s a full-body transformation. We’ve explored everything from sleep disruptions to mood swings, weight changes, and the science behind those dreaded hot flashes.
But beyond symptom management, many of you have asked: “Is there a way to actually support my body from the inside out?”
In today’s blog, we’re diving into exactly that — how two powerful, research-backed ingredients, deer placenta and telomerase activators, are helping women 35 and older not just cope, but thrive during perimenopause. These natural compounds support everything from skin elasticity to hormone balance, energy, and cellular health.
Let’s explore how science and nature are working together to help you feel strong, radiant, and in control again.
What Is Deer Placenta — And Why It’s a Cellular Superfood, Not a Hormone Pill
If you’ve ever heard the term “placenta supplement” and immediately thought, “Isn’t that full of hormones?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions women ask, especially as they enter their late 30s or 40s and begin noticing subtle changes in energy, skin, sleep, or mood. These are often early signs of perimenopause — the natural, gradual transition before menopause. And while this phase isn’t an illness, it is a biological shift — one that requires a different kind of support.
That’s where deer placenta comes in. Often mistaken for a hormone booster, deer placenta is in fact a bioactive cellular support — a nutrient-rich supplement that helps the body repair, adapt, and restore balance from the inside out.
The Placenta: Nature’s Life Support System — Not a Hormone Supplement
The placenta is a short-lived but remarkable organ. During pregnancy, it delivers oxygen, nutrients, and immune support to the foetus. After birth, hormone production stops and degrades quickly — leaving behind a tissue rich in regenerative compounds like antioxidant enzymes, peptides, proteins, and essential minerals.
Modern deer placenta supplements are extracted only after natural birth and purified through enzymatic and filtration techniques. These processes remove hormone residues while preserving the bioactive nutrients your body can actually use.
A 2018 clinical review published in Nutrients confirms that well-purified placenta extracts contain undetectable levels of reproductive hormones and pose no endocrine disruption risks in typical dosages (source).
So if you’re worried about taking in extra estrogen — rest easy. You’re not.
What Makes Deer Placenta So Powerful?
Let’s take a closer look at what actually makes deer placenta more than just a wellness trend — and why it’s gaining respect among women navigating hormonal shifts, fatigue, and skin aging during perimenopause. The answer lies in its unique concentration of bioactive compounds that work deep at the cellular level.
Here are the three key categories of active ingredients — and what the science says about their benefits.
1. Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1): A Cellular Defense Commander
What it does:
HO-1 is a powerful antioxidant enzyme that plays a critical role in cellular defense. It helps:
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Break down free heme (a pro-oxidant from red blood cells)
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Neutralize free radicals that damage DNA and cell membranes
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Suppress inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6
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Support mitochondrial health, which drives cellular energy production
What the science says:
During pregnancy, HO-1 levels in the placenta increase significantly to protect fetal cells from oxidative stress. This adaptive mechanism has now been studied in adult health as well — showing promise in aging, cardiovascular repair, and inflammation control.
📖 HO-1 induction is associated with reduced systemic inflammation and improved stress resilience in fluctuating hormones —key concerns during perimenopause (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
As estrogen declines, women become more vulnerable to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. HO-1 helps protect your skin, joints, and brain from accelerated aging — while also supporting better recovery and energy metabolism.
2. Functional Peptides & Repair Proteins: The Skin & Tissue Rebuilders
What they do:
Deer placenta is rich in low-molecular-weight peptides and growth factors that:
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Stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis
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Promote skin cell turnover and regeneration
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Aid wound healing and reduce micro-inflammation in tissues
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Enhance cell-to-cell communication in skin, immune, and nervous systems
What the science says:
Placenta-derived peptides, including epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like fragments, have been shown to enhance fibroblast proliferation and dermal matrix repair in vitro.
📖 Deer placenta contains functional peptides and repair proteins, including low-molecular-weight peptides and growth factors, which may be beneficial during perimenopause. These components can support skin hydration, reduce fine lines, improve complexion, and potentially enhance energy and stamina. (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Declining estrogen leads to thinner, drier, and less elastic skin. Peptides in deer placenta help counteract these effects by stimulating collagen production, reducing sagging, and boosting skin hydration — from the inside out.
3. Essential Micronutrients & Trace Minerals: Hormone-Supportive Nourishment
What they do:
Deer placenta naturally contains a variety of vital nutrients that support hormonal balance, metabolism, and cellular repair:
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Iron: Boosts oxygen transport and red blood cell production; combats perimenopausal fatigue
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Zinc: Regulates hormone metabolism (especially progesterone) and strengthens skin barrier integrity
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Selenium: Works synergistically with glutathione to neutralise oxidative damage and support immune modulation
What the science says:
These micronutrients are essential for perimenopausal women, who are often prone to low iron, compromised skin healing, or immune fluctuations.
📖 Nutrients (2022): Zinc and selenium deficiencies are correlated with increased oxidative stress and worsened menopausal symptoms (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Together, these nutrients enhance energy, immune resilience, and mental clarity, making deer placenta a truly whole-body ally — not just a beauty supplement.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
🧪 Clinical and nutraceutical research suggests that a daily intake of 100–300 mg of freeze-dried deer placenta powder (equivalent to approximately 10,000–30,000 mg of fresh placenta) can effectively support skin regeneration, energy metabolism, and immune function in women over 35.
👉 For optimal absorption and results, it’s best taken at lunch time with food, when digestive enzymes are more active and nutrient uptake is most efficient.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Health Life® NutriPlacenta Deer Placenta 10,000mg 90s (Buy Now)
How Synergistic Ingredients Make Deer Placenta Even More Powerful
Deer placenta already offers impressive bioactivity on its own — but when paired with carefully chosen co-factors, antioxidants, and adaptogens, its effectiveness is amplified across skin, energy, mood, and hormonal balance.
Let’s explore how each additional ingredient in the formula works in synergy with deer placenta to support women in perimenopause.
MeliusCel™: Telomerase Activation, Naturally
What it does:
MeliusCel™ is a proprietary complex designed to support telomerase activity, which helps maintain the length of telomeres — the protective caps on your DNA that shorten with age and stress.
What the science says:
Studies show that certain plant-based polyphenols and adaptogens can upregulate the gene responsible for telomerase production (TERT), promoting better DNA stability and healthier cellular aging.
📖 Lifestyle and nutritional factors can influence telomere length, underscoring the potential of telomerase-supportive interventions to promote healthy aging in midlife and beyond. (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Oxidative stress accelerates telomere loss — especially in the skin, brain, and ovaries — as estrogen declines. Telomerase activators may help preserve cellular integrity, resilience, and regenerative potential.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
👉 Each capsule contains 50 mg of MeliusCel™. With a daily intake of 2–3 capsules, this delivers an effective dose of 100–150 mg per day — well within the clinically supported range for supporting telomerase activation and cellular longevity.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Evening Primrose Oil
What it does:
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil supports hormonal balance, reduces PMS-like symptoms, and improves skin hydration.
What the science says:
Studies show GLA can reduce mastalgia (breast tenderness), regulate prostaglandins, and support smoother hormonal transitions.
📖 American Family Physician (2000): Evening primrose oil shown to alleviate cyclical breast pain in perimenopausal women (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can cause irritability, mood changes, and skin dryness. GLA helps smooth these transitions and improves skin barrier function.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
👉 Each capsule contains 100 mg Evening Primrose Oil. At 2–3 capsules per day, this yields a daily intake of 200–300 mg — a supportive but gentle maintenance dose suitable for ongoing perimenopausal cellular support.
Avocado Oil
What it does:
Avocado oil is a rich source of oleic acid and plant sterols, which support skin regeneration, joint lubrication, and heart health.
What the science says:
Avo-derived phytosterols show anti-inflammatory effects in both joints and skin tissues. Oleic acid improves dermal penetration and enhances nutrient delivery.
📖 A human trial has shown that avocado oil can improve overall health and potentially reduce hot flashes in women experiencing perimenopause. (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
With estrogen loss, collagen decreases and joint flexibility suffers. Avocado oil helps maintain tissue hydration, softness, and mobility.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule provides 100 mg of Avocado Oil, offering antioxidant and lipid support at a daily intake of 200–300 mg, ideal for skin hydration and joint comfort during perimenopause.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Lycopene Extract
What it does:
Lycopene is a potent carotenoid that protects skin and cardiovascular tissue from UV damage and oxidative stress.
What the science says:
Lycopene improves skin smoothness and may reduce photoaging by decreasing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity — enzymes that break down collagen.
📖 British Journal of Dermatology (2012): Daily lycopene intake linked to improved skin texture and collagen density (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
As your skin loses estrogen, it becomes more prone to sun damage and collagen breakdown. Lycopene helps counteract this process.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule provides 10 mg of Lycopene Extract, equivalent to 6,000 mcg of fresh lycopene — a clinically relevant antioxidant dose to support skin integrity and defend against oxidative stress.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Coenzyme Q10
What it does:
CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production and protects cells from oxidative damage.
What the science says:
CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age. Supplementation helps improve cellular energy, particularly in the heart and skin.
📖 This study suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can significantly improve skin elasticity, tone, and moisture in middle-aged women, making it a beneficial support during perimenopause-related skin changes. (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Low estrogen impacts energy, circulation, and skin metabolism. CoQ10 supports smoother energy output and visible skin renewal.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule provides 10 mg of Coenzyme Q10. With 2–3 capsules per day, this yields 20–30 mg/day, which is designed to provide a synergistic antioxidant effect when taken alongside deer placenta.
However, for targeted benefits like cardiovascular support, fertility, or fatigue reduction, a therapeutic dose of 100–300 mg per day may be more appropriate depending on your health goals.
🔎 Not sure which CoQ₁₀ is right for you?
Read our in-depth comparison blog: NZ & AU Ubiquinol Face-Off: Which CoQ₁₀ Supplement Reigns Supreme?
Panax Ginseng
What it does:
Ginseng is an adaptogen that enhances stress resilience, mental clarity, and immune modulation.
What the science says:
Clinical studies show ginseng may help reduce menopausal fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety by balancing adrenal function.
📖 Hum Psychopharmacol (2016): Panax ginseng improved cognitive performance and mood in perimenopausal women (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Hormonal decline puts extra stress on the adrenal glands and nervous system. Ginseng helps buffer that stress and support mood stability.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule provides 8 mg of ginseng root extract. With 2–3 capsules per day, a total of 16–24 mg/day delivers a gentle adaptogenic effect, helping to support mood balance, mental clarity, and adrenal resilience during perimenopause.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Health Life® Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract 9000mg 60s (Buy Now)
Seaweed Calcium Powder
What it does:
Provides bioavailable calcium and trace minerals for bone density and neuromuscular stability.
What the science says:
Algae-derived calcium has superior absorption and is less constipating than traditional forms. It also includes magnesium and boron for skeletal health.
📖 Nutrients (2020): Algal calcium improved bone markers in postmenopausal women compared to calcium carbonate (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Estrogen helps retain bone mass — when levels drop, bone loss accelerates. Marine calcium supports skeletal integrity naturally.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule includes 5 mg of seaweed calcium powder — a micro-support dose that works best when paired with calcium-rich foods or a dedicated bone health supplement for optimal skeletal support during perimenopause.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
Health Life® Seatosan Calcium plus D3 K2 100s (Buy Now)
Astaxanthin (AstaMaz®)
What it does:
Astaxanthin is a rare carotenoid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and supports skin elasticity, brain health, and eye protection.
What the science says:
One of the most potent antioxidants known, astaxanthin reduces wrinkle depth, boosts skin moisture, and protects against UV damage.
📖 Astaxanthin may help perimenopausal women by improving skin hydration, elasticity, and reducing fine lines—offering antioxidant protection during hormonally driven skin aging. (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Hormonal decline makes skin more fragile and cognitive function less sharp. Astaxanthin supports both brain and skin under oxidative stress.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule provides 250 mcg of astaxanthin (AstaMaz®). While this is a gentle starter dose, it offers synergistic benefits when paired with other antioxidants like CoQ10 and HO-1 from deer placenta.
For more targeted support — such as skin elasticity, eye health, or inflammation reduction — consider combining with additional astaxanthin sources to reach a typical effective range of 2–6 mg/day.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
NYO3® Super Astaxanthin Softgels 500mg (Buy Now)
Turmeric Extract (Curcumin)
What it does:
Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory that supports joint health, liver detoxification, and antioxidant protection.
What the science says:
Turmeric may help reduce hot flashes, joint stiffness, and systemic inflammation in menopausal women.
📖 This 2023 study confirms that telomerase activation can delay cellular aging and protect against oxidative stress-related diseases, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for age-related conditions in perimenopausal women (source).
Why it matters for perimenopause:
Joint pain, brain fog, and inflammation often worsen with estrogen decline. Turmeric supports comfort, clarity, and long-term vitality.
How much should I take daily if I’m 35+?
Each capsule contains 2 mg of turmeric extract, equivalent to approximately 200 mg of turmeric powder. This supports mild daily inflammation control when taken with other anti-inflammatory compounds like HO-1 and astaxanthin.
For more advanced anti-inflammatory support, doses of 500–1,000 mg/day of concentrated curcumin may be beneficial — ideally in a form combined with piperine or lipids for absorption.
Product recommendation:
Aulando® Bio-cell Deer Placenta 90 Capsules (Buy Now)
NYO3 Extra Strength Liver Guard Milk Thistle Extract 649mg 60 Veg Capsules (Buy Now)
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Body from the Inside Out
Perimenopause isn’t just a phase — it’s a deep, whole-body recalibration. As hormones shift, so does your skin, mood, energy, immunity, and even how your cells repair themselves. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, there is a smarter way to support your body through the transition.
This is where science-backed, bioactive formulas like deer placenta and telomerase activators offer meaningful help — not by forcing hormonal change, but by nourishing the foundations of cellular health.
By combining freeze-dried deer placenta with targeted ingredients like MeliusCel™, evening primrose oil, CoQ10, turmeric, lycopene, and ginseng, you’re not just chasing symptoms — you’re helping your body rebuild resilience from within.
Whether you’re starting to notice the early signs of change or already navigating the ups and downs of perimenopause, giving your cells the right tools can make all the difference.
You deserve to feel strong, radiant, and in control — at every age.
Authors:
Michelle Ordner
Registered Nurse (RN)
Michelle's expertise spans healthcare, nutrition infusion, and menopausal care. She began her nursing career in New Zealand in 1991 and has since served 17 years in critical care across the USA. After returning to NZ, she trained in cosmetic medicine and stem cell therapy, and holds a UK certification in intravenous nutrition. Her work focuses on integrative care for menopausal health and wellness.
