Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Q: How long until I notice a difference in how I’m feeling?
Some women have reported that they feel better within the first week of starting Fem21. However it’s recommended to stay on Fem21 consistently for a minimum of 3 months to allow for your hormones to rebalance. After this point you can stay on Fem21 to maintain hormone balance, general health & wellbeing long-term or as needed.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: Fem21 contains a combination of herbs & greens which are bitter however this is balanced out by some nice tasting ingredients which are sweet like stevia, raspberry, cinnamon, licorice & pomegranate. If you’d like to try a taste please fill out your details to request a sample on our home page.
Q: Why is it so thick?
A: Fem21 is thick because it is very high in both soluble & insoluble fibre. This soaks up water and if not drunk quickly will turn thick & gluggy. This is how it’s working in the digestive track to clean & sweep toxins from our system and sluggish bowels. This fibre also works to bind up hormonal metabolites and toxins dumped by the liver and carry them out of the body to prevent recycling and additional stress on our system. Fibre is also food for our good bacteria and allows the probiotics in Fem21 to continue with grow.
Q: Can I take Fem21 after menopause?
A: Yes, Fem21 can be used throughout menopause and afterwards. Also if your also using HRT or Bio-Identical hormone replacement Fem21 can help you to transition off these. After the ovaries stop ovulation and a period ceases women still produce hormones just in lower levels and not cyclicly (estrogen from stored fat and progesterone from the adrenals). Hormone metabolism in the liver still needs to be supported along with Adrenal support to ensure a smooth transition. There is no issues with taking Fem21 long term, however listen to your body if you feel ready to stop.
Q: Why can’t I take it if I’m on the pill or other hormonal contraceptives?
A: It’s not recommended to take Fem21 whilst using synthetic contraceptives as it can increase the excretion & metabolism of toxic oestrogen. As it works to rebalance your hormones and support proper functioning of the ovaries and formation of the endometrial lining, it may decrease the contraceptive effect. If you’re using the pill for other reasons (not for contraception) you can use Fem21 so long as you’re using a barrier method for contraception (i.e condoms or a diaphragm) if sexually active.
Q: I’m Gluten Sensitive, can I take Fem21?
A: Fem21 contains Wheatgrass which is normally Gluten Free. There is a very small possibility that there could be contamination with Gluten during the harvesting process. Wheatgrass is derived from the stem & grasses of the sprouted leaves and Gluten is only found in the kernel of the seed. Harvesting Wheatgrass before the seed has had time to form, minimises the chance for contamination of the Wheatgrass with Gluten. It is unlikely that Fem21 would pose an issue for Coeliac or Gluten Sensitive individuals, however testing with a sample of Fem21 is advised. Please fill out your details to request a sample on our home page.
Q: I’m starting IVF, can I use Fem21?
A: It’s not recommended to use Fem21 in conjunction with an IVF cycle as it may theoretically increase your risk of ovarian hyper stimulation due to the herbs. You can however use Fem21 in preparation for IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques ideally for 3 months prior. After the stimulation phase & egg pick up during IVF you may use Fem21 to coincide with embryo transfer and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Please discuss any concerns with your Health Care Practitioner. Fem21 can also be used after a cycle of IVF that didn’t result in a pregnancy to help your body recover from the high doses of synthetic hormones.
Q: Can I use Fem21 in a cycle with clomid?
A: Yes you can use Fem21 in conjunction with cycle that you are using clomid. However wait until you’ve finished your course of clomid (i.e. don’t use Fem21 on the 3-5 days that you’re taking the medication) and then continue on Fem21 throughout the rest of your cycle.
Q: I’m breastfeeding can I use Fem21?
A: It depends on the situation. If you are establishing breastfeeding with a newborn I wouldn’t recommend using Fem21. However after 6 months of breastfeeding and you & your baby are in a well established feeding pattern you can start on Fem21. It’s safe to use after this time, especially if your baby has started on solids. If you feel that Fem21 reduces your milk supply then please discontinue use.
Q: Can I use Fem21 if I am pregnant?
A: Yes you can use Fem21 up until 12 weeks of pregnancy at a reduced dose of 1-2 teaspoons / day. Fem21 may also decrease your risk for miscarriage. After 12 weeks of pregnancy it is recommended that you do not use Fem21.
Q: I’ve recently started on Fem21 and now my periods are different and my cycle length has changed, is this normal?
A: Within the first 3 months of commencing Fem21 it’s great to see changes in your cycles & periods, this means your body is sensitive and is responding to the formulation. This is part of your hormones rebalancing and moving from a place of being out of balance to an optimal level. This rebalancing can be a bit like a rollercoaster as things are shifting for you. Just ride this process out as the formulation supports your body to better health. The time frame this takes to get back into a regular cycle & flow with menstruation is different for each individual however please discuss any concerns with your health care practitioner.
Q: Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better? Is this a detox?
A: In the first 3 months of commencing Fem21 it’s quite normal for your body to go through a detoxification process whilst rebalancing your health & hormones. Ideally continue to use Fem21 to see this process of cleansing, detoxification & rebalancing through to the other side. Your body will be happy & healthy having cleansed the toxic burden that it was previously carrying.
Q: My skin has broken out in pimples since starting Fem21, why is this?
A: Skin breakouts can often be a symptom of your body clearing excess toxins & hormonal metabolites. Especially if you are noticing breakouts around the mouth or along the jawline. Also blind/deep cystic pimples are hormonally fuelled. As your body cleanses and rebalances your skin will improve however please be patient with this process as it doesn’t happen overnight. I also recommend for a lot of women with hormonal breakouts to include some Zinc into their regime as this can work with Fem21 for faster results and healing. If acne is a long term issue please remember it’s what is happening internally as well as your skin care regime which can make the biggest difference.
Q: I want the benefits but really dislike the texture of Fem21, any suggestions?
A: You may also want to try one of the smoothie recipes on the homepage. If you take Fem21 on an empty stomach or are not used to taking greens with a fibrous texture you may react with a gagging reflex. If this occurs please ensure that you drink plenty of water and take Fem21 immediately before or after food. You can also add Fem21 as a sprinkle on top of muesli, in smoothies, in protein/bliss balls etc.
Q: Is there a danger with taking Black Cohosh, I’ve heard it’s bad for your liver?
A: After reviewing the research with Black Cohosh and liver damage it’s been disproved that there is a harmful connection. However if you have concerns over your liver health then please discuss use of Fem21 with a health care practitioner. Fem21 contains Black Cohosh at a very low dose which in my clinical experience has been an excellent herb for hormones & oestrogen balance. Fem21 also contains herbs to protect and support better liver health. If you’d like to read a referenced article written by Prof. Kerry Bone on Black Cohosh and liver health please follow this link: Black Cohosh an Innocent Bystander
Q: Why aren’t the doses of the individual ingredients listed?
A: Fem21 is classified by the Food Standards Australia as a “functional food” and therefore it’s not regulated by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Australia) these two governing bodies have different labelling requirements. Fem21 contains whole ingredients of plants & foods. Food labelling requirements state that you must list the ingredients from the highest to the lowest quantity. If you’d like specific dosage information or a tech data sheet please see our tech sheet.
Q: What strains of probiotics are in Fem21 and why doesn’t have to be refrigerated?
A: Listed below are the strains of probiotics found in Fem21, these probiotics are cultured from organic fermented foods. The fermentation process allows for the sustained growth of the good bacteria. They continue to feed & multiply from the Fructo-oligosaccharides contained in the fruit & fibre. This process means that it isn’t reliant on low (4°C) stable temperatures to maintain potency of the probiotics and can therefore stay out of the fridge but still in a cool place (don’t leave it in the car).
Lactic acid bacteria
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus leichmannii
- Lactobaciullus caucasicus
- Lactobacillus lactis
- Lactobacillus fermenti
- Lactobacillus brevis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus delbreukii
Yeast Strains:
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
