Education

Research · Evidence

Research-backed. In every sense.

When we say our products are research-backed, we mean it. Below are all the papers Dr. Sarah Doyle, DPT, CFMP, DACBN used in creating these products for you. Take note that she is previously published in all three subjects.

Vita-Fem™ Painful Period & Perimenopause

  1. Doyle S, Rosen J, Knight K, Coetzee O. Integrative management of estrogen dominance, methylation impairment, and histamine intolerance in perimenopause: a case report. Archives of Healthcare. (2026) 6(1): 7-23. Read paper →
  2. Mishra S, Elliott H, Marwaha R. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. [Updated 2023 Feb 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; (2026) Jan-. Read paper →
  3. Russell VM, McNulty JK, Baker LR, Meltzer AL. The association between discontinuing hormonal contraceptives and wives' marital satisfaction depends on husbands' facial attractiveness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (2014) Dec 2;111(48):17081-6. Read paper →
  4. Alvergne A, Lummaa V. Does the contraceptive pill alter mate choice in humans? Trends Ecol Evol. 2010 Mar;25(3):171-9. Read paper →
  5. Walling A. Hormone Contraceptives and Bone Mineral Density. Am Fam Physician. (2002);65(7):1450. Read paper →
  6. DepoProvera Lawsuit (June 2026) Brain Tumor Claims & Eligibility. Read paper →
  7. NCCIH Press Office. NIH analysis reveals a significant rise in use of complementary health approaches, especially for pain management. (January 31, 2024). Read paper →
  8. Mazza E, Maurotti S, Ferro Y, Castagna A, Pujia C, Sciacqua A, Pujia A, Montalcini T. Magnesium: Exploring Gender Differences in Its Health Impact and Dietary Intake. Nutrients (2025), 17, 2226. Read paper →
  9. Muneyyirci-Delale O, Nacharaju VL, Altura BM, Altura BT. Sex Steroid Hormones Modulate Serum Ionized Magnesium and Calcium Levels Throughout the Menstrual Cycle in Women. Fertil Steril. (1998), 69, 958–962. Read paper →
  10. MacLean JA 2nd, Hayashi K. Progesterone Actions and Resistance in Gynecological Disorders. Cells. (2022) Feb 13;11(4):647. Read paper →
  11. Marquardt RM, Kim TH, Shin JH, Jeong JW. Progesterone and Estrogen Signaling in the Endometrium: What Goes Wrong in Endometriosis? Int J Mol Sci. (2019) Aug 5;20(15):3822. Read paper →
  12. Albalawi AA. Dual impact of Ashwagandha: Significant cortisol reduction but no effects on perceived stress — A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health. 2025 Dec;31(4):1395-1408. Read paper →
  13. Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M. Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. Electron Physician. (2017) Jan 25;9(1):3685-3689. Read paper →
  14. Ruhlen RL, Sun GY, Sauter ER. Black Cohosh: Insights into its Mechanism(s) of Action. Integr Med Insights. 2008;3:21-32. Read paper →
  15. Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo. J Sex Med. 2010 Apr;7(4 Pt 1):1518-28. Read paper →
  16. Wang Z, Wang D, Yang D, Zhen W, Zhang J, Peng S. The effect of icariin on bone metabolism and its potential clinical application. Osteoporos Int. (2018) Mar;29(3):535-544. Read paper →
  17. Newman M, Smeaton J. Exploring the impact of 3,3'-diindolylmethane on the urinary estrogen profile of premenopausal women. BMC Complement Med Ther. (2024) Nov 22;24(1):405. Read paper →
  18. Houghton CA, Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Sulforaphane and Other Nutrigenomic Nrf2 Activators: Can the Clinician's Expectation Be Matched by the Reality? Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:7857186. Read paper →
  19. Cao S, Wang L, Zhang Z, Chen F, Wu Q, Li L. Sulforaphane-induced metabolomic responses with epigenetic changes in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells. FEBS Open Bio. (2018) Nov 14;8(12):2022-2034. Read paper →
  20. Calcium-D-glucarate. Altern Med Rev. (2002) Aug;7(4):336-9. PMID: 12197785. Read paper →
  21. Hu S, Ding Q, Zhang W, Kang M, Ma J, Zhao L. Gut microbial beta-glucuronidase: a vital regulator in female estrogen metabolism. Gut Microbes. (2023) Jan-Dec;15(1):2236749. Read paper →
  22. Siminiuc R, Turcanu D. Impact of nutritional diet therapy on premenstrual syndrome. Front Nutr. (2023) 10:1079417. Read paper →
  23. Retallick-Brown H, Blampied N, Rucklidge JJ. A Pilot Randomized Treatment-Controlled Trial Comparing Vitamin B6 with Broad-Spectrum Micronutrients for Premenstrual Syndrome. J Altern Complement Med. (2020) Feb;26(2):88-97. Read paper →
  24. Han Y, Gu S, Li Y, Qian X, Wang F, Huang JH. Neuroendocrine pathogenesis of perimenopausal depression. Front Psychiatry. (2023) Mar 30;14:1162501. Read paper →

Vita-Fem™ Menopause

  1. Doyle S, Cho PKB, Arnold D, Coetzee O. Urinary Metabolite Testing, Nutraceutical Intervention, and (the 7X Method Program) in the Management of Menopause Symptoms: A Case Report. Women's Health Research (2025), 5, 24–38. Read paper →
  2. Gupta A, Sanwal N, Bareen MA, Barua S, Sharma N, Olatunji OJ, Nirmal NP, Sahu JK. Trends in functional beverages: functional ingredients, processing technologies, stability, health benefits, and consumer perspective. Food Res Int. (2023), 170, 113046. Read paper →
  3. O'Connor KA, Ferrell R, Brindle E, Trumble B, Shofer J, Holman DJ, Weinstein M. Progesterone and ovulation across stages of the transition to menopause. Menopause (2009), 16, 1178–1187. Read paper →
  4. Stefaniak M, Dmoch-Gajzlerska E, Jankowska K, Rogowski A, Kajdy A, Maksym RB. Progesterone and Its Metabolites Play a Beneficial Role in Affect Regulation in the Female Brain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). (2023);16(4):520. Read paper →
  5. Ciano C, King TS, Wright RR, Perlis M, Sawyer AM. Longitudinal study of insomnia symptoms among women during perimenopause. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. (2017), 46, 804–813. Read paper →
  6. Mauvais-Jarvis F, Manson JE, Stevenson JC, Fonseca VA. Menopausal hormone therapy and type 2 diabetes prevention: evidence, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Endocr Rev. (2017), 38, 173–188. Read paper →
  7. Sathi P, Kalyan S, Hitchcock CL, Pudek M, Prior JC. Progesterone therapy increases free thyroxine levels — data from a randomized placebo-controlled 12-week hot flush trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). (2013), 79, 282–287. Read paper →
  8. Peacock K, Carlson K, Ketvertis KM, Doerr C. Menopause. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Read paper →
  9. Liang J, Liu Y, Liu J, Li Z, Fan J, Jiang Z, Dang X, Wang M, Dang T, Liu Z, et al. The effects of menopause hormone therapy on lipid profile in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. (2022), 13, 850815. Read paper →
  10. Bushnell CD. Stroke in women: risk and prevention throughout the lifespan. Neurol Clin. (2008), 26, 1161–1176. Read paper →
  11. Jankowski M, Skrzypecka-Zywko L, Dudek D, Nizankowski R. Menopause predisposes women to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Int J Environ Res Public Health (2023), 20, 15013. Read paper →
  12. Conde DM, Verdade RC, Valadares ALR, Mella LFB, Pedro AO, Costa-Paiva L. Menopause and cognitive impairment: a narrative review of current knowledge. World J Psychiatry (2021), 11, 412–428. Read paper →
  13. Pachman DR, Jones JM, Loprinzi CL. Management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: current treatment options, challenges and future directions. Int J Womens Health (2010), 2, 123–135. Read paper →
  14. Mosconi L, Rahman A, Diaz I, Wu X, Scheyer O, Hristov HW, Vallabhajosula S, Isaacson RS, de Leon MJ, Brinton RD. Increased Alzheimer's risk during the menopause transition: a 3-year longitudinal brain imaging study. PLoS ONE (2018), 13, e0207885. Read paper →
  15. Wright VJ, Schwartzman JD, Itinoche R, Wittstein J. The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. Climacteric (2024), 27, 466–472. Read paper →
  16. Kaplan Y, Kurt SG, Karaer H. Carpal tunnel syndrome in postmenopausal women. J Neurol Sci. (2008), 270, 77–81. Read paper →
  17. Alswat KA. Gender disparities in osteoporosis. J Clin Med Res. (2017), 9, 382–387. Read paper →
  18. Carlson K, Nguyen H. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Read paper →
  19. Nappi RE, Kingsberg S, Maamari R, Simon J. The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On SEx and Relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners. J Sex Med. (2013), 10, 2232–2241. Read paper →
  20. Porat A, Bhutta BS, Kesler S. Urosepsis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Read paper →
  21. Donovitz GS. A personal prospective on testosterone therapy in women — what we know in 2022. J Pers Med. (2022), 12, 1194. Read paper →
  22. Proske U, Gandevia SC. The proprioceptive senses: their roles in signaling body shape, body position and movement, and muscle force. Physiol Rev. (2012), 92, 1651–1697. Read paper →
  23. Haentjens P, Magaziner J, Colón-Emeric CS, Vanderschueren D, Milisen K, Velkeniers B, Boonen S. Meta-analysis: excess mortality after hip fracture among older women and men. Ann Intern Med. (2010), 152, 380–390. Read paper →
  24. National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Ovarian Cancer. Read paper →
  25. Simpson ER. Aromatization of androgens in women: current concepts and findings. Fertil Steril. (2002), 77 (Suppl. 4), S6–S10. Read paper →
  26. Basson R, O'Loughlin JI, Weinberg J, Young AH, Bodnar T, Brotto LA. Dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol as markers of HPA axis dysregulation in women with low sexual desire. Psychoneuroendocrinology (2019), 104, 259–268. Read paper →
  27. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (2019), 98, e17186. Read paper →
  28. Vollmer G, Brendler T. Evaluation of potential hormonal activities of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Phytother Res. (2025). Read paper →
  29. Van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ, Bone KM. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Med. (2013), 79, 562–575. Read paper →
  30. Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, Kapczynski W, Mrozikiewicz P, Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska T, Kedzia B, Lowicka A, Barchia I. Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (II) physiological and symptomatic responses of early-postmenopausal women. Int J Biomed Sci. (2006), 2, 360–374. PMID: 23675005.
  31. Montanari T, Carvalho JE, Dolder H. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause (2016), 24, 1257–1261. Read paper →
  32. Oh KJ, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park K. Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. (2010), 7, 1469–1477. Read paper →
  33. Sadahiro R, Matsuoka LN, Zeng BS, Chen KH, Zeng BY, Wang HY, Chu CS, Stubbs B, Su KP, Tu YK, et al. Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms: an updated pairwise meta-analysis. Menopause (2023), 30, 766–773. Read paper →
  34. Zhang G, Qin L, Shi Y. Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: a 24-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. J Bone Miner Res. (2007), 22, 1072–1079. Read paper →
  35. Henkel RR, Wang R, Bassett SH, Chen T, Liu N, Zhu Y, Tambi MI. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors — a pilot study. Phytother Res. (2014), 28, 544–550. Read paper →
  36. Payne AH, Hales DB. Overview of steroidogenic enzymes in the pathway from cholesterol to active steroid hormones. Endocr Rev. (2004), 25, 947–970. Read paper →
  37. Kuiper GGJM, Lemmen JG, Carlsson B, Corton JC, Safe SH, van der Saag PT, van der Burg B, Gustafsson JA. Interaction of estrogenic chemicals and phytoestrogens with estrogen receptor beta. Endocrinology (1998), 139, 4252–4263. Read paper →
  38. Kanadys W, Baranska A, Blaszczuk A, Polz-Dacewicz M, Drop B, Kanecki K, Malm M. Evaluation of clinical meaningfulness of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) extract to relieve hot flushes and menopausal symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients (2021), 13, 1258. Read paper →
  39. Wu WH, Liu LY, Chung CJ, Jou HJ, Wang TA. Estrogenic effect of yam ingestion in healthy postmenopausal women. J Am Coll Nutr. (2005), 24, 235–243. Read paper →
  40. Stover PJ, Field MS. Vitamin B-6. Adv Nutr. (2015), 6, 132–133. Read paper →
  41. Stahl SM. L-methylfolate: a vitamin for your monoamines. J Clin Psychiatry (2008), 69, 1352–1353. Read paper →
  42. Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. B vitamins in the nervous system: current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS Neurosci Ther. (2020), 26, 5–13. Read paper →
  43. Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Pantothenic acid. In: Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academies Press; (1998). Read paper →
  44. de Baaij JHF, Hoenderop JGJ, Bindels RJM. Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease. Physiol Rev. (2015), 95, 1–46. Read paper →

Mind Energy

  1. Doyle SE. Case Report: Utilization of Urinary Neurotransmitter Metabolite Testing and Natural Supplements in the Management of Disordered Eating. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition. (2022) 45(5).
  2. Li Y, Yan X, Li Q, Li Q, Xu G, Lu J, Yang W. Prevalence and Trends in Diagnosed ADHD Among US Children and Adolescents, 2017-2022. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Oct 2;6(10):e2336872. Read paper →
  3. Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis? Mo Med. 2022 Sep-Oct;119(5):467-473. Read paper →
  4. Danielson ML, et al. Trends in Stimulant Prescription Fills Among Commercially Insured Children and Adults — United States, 2016–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(13). Read paper →
  5. IQVIA. Stimulant Prescription Trends in the United States from 2012–2023. DEA Diversion Control Division, 2024. Read paper →
  6. Staley BS, et al. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults. MMWR. 2024;73(40):890–895. Read paper →
  7. Johnson B, Stjepanovic D, Leung J, Chan GCK. "Everything's a Challenge": An Interview Study of ADHD Individuals in the Midst of the Prescription Stimulant Shortage. J Atten Disord. 2025 Jan;29(2):120-127. Read paper →
  8. Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women. J Atten Disord. 2023 May;27(7):645-657. Read paper →
  9. Chapman L, Gupta K, Hunter MS, Dommett EJ. Examining the Link Between ADHD Symptoms and Menopausal Experiences. Journal of Attention Disorders. (2025) 29(14), 1263-1277.
  10. Fawcett Society & Channel 4. Menopause and the Workplace Report. (2022). Read paper →
  11. Hoogman M, Stolte M, Baas M, Kroesbergen E. Creativity and ADHD: A review of behavioral studies, the effect of psychostimulants and neural underpinnings. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020 Dec;119:66-85. Read paper →
  12. Budur K, Mathews M, Adetunji B, Mathews M, Mahmud J. Non-stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2005 Jul;2(7):44-8. Read paper →
  13. Daly JW, Shi D, Nikodijevic O, Jacobson KA. The role of adenosine receptors in the central action of caffeine. Pharmacopsychoecologia. 1994;7(2):201-213. Read paper →
  14. Hammoud F, Ismail A, Zaher R, El Majzoub R, Abou-Abbas L. Mucuna pruriens Treatment for Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Parkinsons Dis. 2025 Aug 18;2025:1319419. Read paper →
  15. Rana DG, Galani VJ. Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression. Ayu. 2014 Jan;35(1):90-7. Read paper →
  16. Kato-Kataoka A, Sakai M, Ebina R, Nonaka C, Asano T, Miyamori T. Soybean-derived phosphatidylserine improves memory function of the elderly Japanese subjects with memory complaints. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2010 Nov;47(3):246-55. Read paper →
  17. Sagaro GG, Traini E, Amenta F. Activity of Choline Alphoscerate on Adult-Onset Cognitive Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;92(1):59-70. Read paper →
  18. Kerksick CM. Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance in Healthy Men. Nutrients. 2024 Dec 9;16(23):4240. Read paper →
  19. Zhang HY, Yan H, Tang XC. Non-cholinergic effects of huperzine A: beyond inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Feb;28(2):173-83. Read paper →
  20. Sabelli HC, Javaid JI. Phenylethylamine modulation of affect: therapeutic and diagnostic implications. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1995 Winter;7(1):6-14. PMID: 7711493.
  21. Paulos MA, Tessel RE. Phenylethylamine and Brain Function. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 1999;2(3):229–246. Read paper →
  22. Al Shahab S, Al Balushi R, Qambar A, Abdulla R, Qader M, Abdulla S, Jahrami H. Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025 Apr 28;17(9):1482. Read paper →
  23. Valotto Neto LJ, Reverete de Araujo M, Moretti Junior RC, Mendes Machado N, Joshi RK, Dos Santos Buglio D, Barbalho Lamas C, Direito R, Fornari Laurindo L, Tanaka M, Barbalho SM. Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024 Mar 25;13(4):393. Read paper →
  24. Kalapatapu N, Skinner SG, D'Addezio EG, Ponna S, Cadenas E, Davies DL. Thiamine Deficiency and Neuroinflammation Are Important Contributors to Alcohol Use Disorder. Pathophysiology (2025), 32, 34. Read paper →
  25. Ruenwongsa P, Pattanavibag S. Impairment of acetylcholine synthesis in thiamine deficient rats developed by prolonged tea consumption. Life Sci. 1984 Jan 23;34(4):365-70. PMID: 6694525.
  26. Gibson GE, Hirsch JA, Fonzetti P, Jordan BD, Cirio RT, Elder J. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and dementia. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016 Mar;1367(1):21-30. Read paper →
  27. Young SN, Shalchi M. The effect of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine on S-adenosylmethionine levels in the rat brain. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2005 Jan;30(1):44-8. Read paper →