Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
Menopause and perimenopause, often hushed topics in societal conversations, have long been journeys marked by discomfort and limited solutions. Women find themselves struggling with symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, memory loss, and fatigue without clear guidance or effective remedies. In this landscape, West Wolf Medicinals addresses the problem head-on and offers innovative solutions through their mushroom-based supplements. Nicole Wolf, co-founder of West Wolf Medicinals, discovered for herself the healing benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
Night sweats and inflammation plagued her, disrupting her life, and leading her down a path to finding relief without the use of conventional hormone therapy. Recommended trying functional mushroom extracts, Nicole had difficulty finding a organic potent source. After many months, she eventually sourced one and experienced remarkable relief. This planted the seed of starting her own company dedicated to transforming the way we perceive mushrooms for healing and menopause symptoms.
What sets West Wolf Medicinals apart is the focus on the mushroom’s fruiting body, extracting high-quality powder with organic certification and third-party testing. The extraction process is crucial in creating high-quality products, as it breaks down the chitin of the mushroom cellular wall, making it more bioavailable for the body. The company’s dedication is evident in the sourcing of high-potency mushrooms, quality assurance, and their meticulous extraction process. This commitment positions their products as natural supplements able to provide medicinal solutions, meeting the stringent standards set by the FDA. The company offers these as powder supplements that can be coupled with one’s favorite morning beverage.
Beta-glucans, found in functional mushroom cell walls, are known to be essential for the immune system. They stimulate the host’s immune response against infections. The company’s supplements contain one of the highest percentages of Beta-glucans in the industry, listed on labels and third-party tested for potency.
Mushroom farmers turned entrepreneurs, Nicole and Benjamin Wolf, envisioned a company that would redefine the narrative surrounding menopause, offering supplements and a comprehensive approach to well-being. The problem, initially personal for Nicole, evolved into a mission to create a lasting impact on how society views and manages menopause. The founders have also discovered a growing interest in discussing menopause and perimenopause symptoms in America.
The company’s mission lies in an educational imperative. Drawing from her journey, Nicole Wolf emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness around the benefits of functional mushrooms. Co-founder Benjamin Wolf shares the ethos behind West Wolf Medicinals, “Our story is about more than products; it’s also challenging norms, sparking conversations, and reshaping the narrative around health and aging.”
Nicole adds to the subject of health and menopause, stating, “Aging is not an illness, it’s a natural process. The mushrooms support immunity, acting as an adaptogen throughout the body. This immunity support is a natural benefit for everyone, not just for women, especially during cold seasons or when the immune system weakens.”
Nicole’s narrative intertwines with the broader context of the mushroom industry. Mushroom products, often mired in debates on extraction methods and efficacy, present a challenge for many. The industry, currently fueled by lawsuits and debates over terminologies, highlights the need for consumer education. West Wolf Medicinals provides transparency and shares knowledge, benefits, and usage details. Beyond personal wellness, the company has a “Big Heart” philosophy to making a positive impact, where 1% of sales are donated for wolf protection.
Chase Your Stars and Love & Desire are two of West Wolf Medicinals’ main products specifically formulated for peri- and post-menopause. These blends are carefully crafted to address the unique needs of individuals during these life stages, providing targeted support and relief for night sweats, brain fog, libido, and low energy.
As consumers become more knowledgeable of the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, West Wolf Medicinals has seen a demand for more individual mushrooms to complement their blends. To meet this demand, West Wolf Medicinals is introducing new lines of organic, highly potent (over 40% Beta-glucans) single-ingredient mushrooms; Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Turkey Tail, packaged in eco-friendly materials.
Lions Mane Mushroom from Nicole Wolf’s farm.
West Wolf Medicinals envisions a world where menopause is not just a “phase” but an opportunity for empowerment and rejuvenation. The founders believe in the potential of mushrooms to alleviate more than menopausal symptoms but also a spectrum of health problems, including anti-inflammatory issues, energy, and stamina. Even athletes find their mushroom blends to be tremendously beneficial for recovery and endurance.
The mushroom industry, often clouded by skepticism and misconceptions, finds a refreshing advocate in West Wolf Medicinals. Though they have been grown and used for medicinal purposes in Asia and Europe for thousands of years, the United States has a pharmaceutical-driven culture that needs to learn to appreciate these fungi.
The newfound awareness around menopause, driven by influential figures and celebrities, has paved the way for a company like West Wolf Medicinals to flourish. As conversations around menopause become more open, the company strives to make its products accessible to everyone, transcending gender boundaries and addressing a wider range of symptoms associated with aging.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.