When people hear the word collagen, most of them associate it with beautiful skin, healthier hair, and strong nails. The truth, however, is that its role in the body is much greater. Collagen is a major structural protein involved in building connective tissue, tendons, joints, blood vessels, and the pelvic floor. That's exactly why it plays an important role at various stages of a woman's life – after childbirth, during breastfeeding, around menopause, and afterward.
We spoke about this with Dr. Boryana Lazarova – obstetrician-gynecologist, who shares both her professional expertise and her personal impressions from taking hydrolyzed collagen.
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Collagen – Much More Than Beauty Care
„The pharmaceutical market is flooded with collagen ads that link it mainly to beautiful skin. In reality, though, its role in women's health is much greater“, shares Dr. Lazarova.
Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen broken down into small peptides that the body absorbs more easily. They supply amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – the natural building blocks needed for the body's own collagen synthesis.
According to Dr. Lazarova, however, not all collagen is the same.
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„It's extremely important where it comes from. For women's health, collagen types 1 and 3 matter most, and they're found in the highest amounts in bovine collagen.“
— Dr. Boryana Lazarova, obstetrician-gynecologist
That's exactly what RealFood's collagen is.
Collagen type 1 supports the skin's structure and elasticity, while type 3 is a key component of connective tissue, helps maintain blood vessels, and plays a crucial role in tissue repair.
That's exactly why hydrolyzed bovine collagen is much more than a beauty product – it can be a valuable part of caring for the whole body.
After Childbirth: A Period When the Body Needs Time and Support
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the biggest transformations a woman's body goes through. Whether the birth is vaginal or by cesarean section, tissue recovery takes time.
In vaginal birth, the pelvic floor and connective tissue undergo significant strain. The stretching of the muscles and soft tissues can lead to laxity, which over time can affect quality of life.
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„Women who have had a vaginal birth would see very good results if they took hydrolyzed collagen specifically to restore the strength of the pelvic floor“
— Dr. Boryana Lazarova, obstetrician-gynecologist
According to her, studies show that in women taking hydrolyzed collagen, connective tissue recovery happens faster compared to those who don't take such a supplement.
Similar observations exist regarding recovery after a cesarean section. According to Dr. Lazarova, taking hydrolyzed collagen is associated with higher fibroblast activity – the cells involved in building new connective tissue.
An important note is that for women prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring intake should follow the recommendations of their treating physician regarding the most appropriate time to start.
The Pelvic Floor – A Topic Rarely Discussed
One of the topics Dr. Lazarova pays special attention to is pelvic floor health – an area that's often overlooked despite its enormous importance for women's health.
The pelvic floor is a complex system of muscles and connective tissue that supports the internal organs. With age, after pregnancy, or during menopause, the structure of collagen gradually changes, which can weaken the natural support of these tissues.
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„When connective tissue loses its properties, it can no longer support the muscles the same way. That's exactly when collagen becomes important for restoring its structure.“
— Dr. Boryana Lazarova, obstetrician-gynecologist
According to Dr. Lazarova, caring for the pelvic floor isn't limited to taking supplements. The best results are achieved when it's part of a holistic approach that includes physical activity, pelvic floor exercises, and, when needed, modern medical procedures.
When Hormones Change, So Do Hair, Skin, and Nails
Many women notice increased hair loss a few months after giving birth. While this often causes concern, the cause is usually the natural shift in estrogen levels.
„During pregnancy, estrogen is very high and hair stays longer in the active growth phase. After birth, its levels drop sharply and the hair enters the shedding phase“, explains Dr. Lazarova.
According to her, hydrolyzed collagen supports keratin formation and may help restore the normal hair growth cycle faster. It also helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, as well as nail strength – changes many women look for specifically in the postpartum period.
After 40: Why a Woman's Needs Change
With age, the body naturally starts producing less of its own collagen. This process speeds up during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen levels gradually decline.
According to Dr. Lazarova, this is exactly when collagen becomes an even more important part of caring for women's health.
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„After 40, collagen takes on its most important role as a supporting element in every woman's life.“
— Dr. Boryana Lazarova, obstetrician-gynecologist
Reduced collagen synthesis can affect various structures in the body – the skin gradually loses its elasticity, connective tissue weakens, and the joints and bones also go through natural age-related changes.
According to Dr. Lazarova, during this period collagen helps maintain connective tissue, bone density, and joints. She also points to the change in fat tissue distribution after menopause – a process linked to hormonal changes in the body.
Do You Need to Take Breaks From Collagen?
One of the most common questions is whether collagen should be taken continuously.
According to Dr. Lazarova, there's no universal answer – it all depends on lifestyle and the individual's condition.
People who are physically active, drink enough fluids, and have no kidney problems can include collagen as part of their daily routine. In certain conditions, however, it's best for intake to follow a doctor's recommendations.
„Consistent intake shows the best results. Even after stopping, the effect lasts for some time, but to maintain the results it's important for the body to keep receiving the necessary building blocks.“
She also emphasizes that collagen isn't a standalone solution but part of overall health care. Balanced nutrition, movement, and good daily habits remain just as important.
Which Nutrients Support Collagen's Action?
Collagen doesn't work in isolation. For the optimal synthesis of its own collagen, the body also needs other vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Lazarova pays special attention to:
- vitamin C, which is involved in collagen formation;
- zinc, important for the normal synthesis of connective tissue;
- iron, especially important for women after childbirth;
- copper, discussed less often, but also plays a role in collagen formation;
- vitamin D3, which supports bone health.
That's exactly why, when choosing a product, it's worth paying attention not only to the amount of collagen but also to the overall formula.
For those looking for a comprehensive approach, RealFood Collagen Complex combines hydrolyzed collagen with vitamin C, zinc, and hyaluronic acid, while RealFood Hydrolyzed Collagen is a great choice for those who prefer a clean formula with no taste or scent that's easy to add to coffee, a smoothie, or breakfast.
Dr. Boryana Lazarova's Personal Choice
Beyond being a specialist, Dr. Lazarova also speaks as a mother who has gone through postpartum recovery herself.
„I was motivated by the desire to recover faster. I did my own research, because the market is full of different products. I liked how RealFood sources its collagen, and the fact that it's a Bulgarian company.“
She shares that the product's easy dissolving has made daily intake easier – whether in coffee or yogurt.
„It barely takes any effort – you just add it to your daily routine. I personally noticed faster recovery and better hair condition after postpartum hair loss.“
Caring for Women's Health Starts With Small Daily Habits
At the end of the conversation, Dr. Lazarova offers an important message – caring for women doesn't end with childbirth and doesn't start only when a problem appears.
Physical activity, varied nutrition, sufficient intake of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and collagen can all be part of a comprehensive approach to good health. It's equally important for women to pay attention to the pelvic floor, not neglect preventive checkups, and set aside time for their own recovery.
As Dr. Lazarova herself says:
„Collagen doesn't replace good habits, but it can be a valuable ally in caring for women's health.“
You can watch the full interview with Dr. Boryana Lazarova on our YouTube channel.
