Menopause supplements sold in the UK differ a lot from one another, a new review of 201 products found. The researchers found no ingredient, or even type of ingredient, that every product had.
The review, published in the journal Climacteric, was led by researchers at University College London. Prices ranged from £1.50 to £95 a month.
What Was Inside These Menopause Supplements
The team looked at ingredients, doses, and prices for products sold by nine major UK retailers and online sellers.
Most products contained herbs (80%), vitamins (77%), or plant estrogens (74%). Plant estrogens are plant compounds, such as red clover and soy, that are similar to the hormone estrogen.
Vitamin B6 was the most common vitamin. Red clover and sage were the most common plant ingredients.
Bone Nutrients Were Often Missing
Half of the products had no vitamin D. Only 23.9% had calcium.
Major menopause societies routinely highlight these two for bone health after menopause. They are the only vitamins and minerals on that list.
That does not mean every woman needs them as supplements. Your needs depend on your diet and your own bone health risk.
The authors also noted that most other ingredients in these products are not specifically recommended by any major menopause society.
Doses and Prices Varied Widely
Vitamin and mineral doses differed a lot from product to product. First author Poppy Sullivan said the “huge variation in vitamin and mineral doses” is also a cause for concern, in a UCL press release.
Some nutrients can cause problems in large amounts over time. For example, too much vitamin D could, in theory, push calcium levels too high and cause vomiting and confusion.
The authors also pointed to black cohosh, an herb in some products, as a possible liver risk.
The US National Institutes of Health says rare cases of liver damage have been reported in people taking black cohosh products. It is not clear that black cohosh caused them.
What to Check Before You Buy
When you compare menopause supplements, three checks help.
Check the ingredients. See exactly which vitamins, minerals, and herbs the product contains. Do not assume a product is better just because it is sold for menopause.
Check the dose. Compare the amount in each serving with what you already get from other vitamins. Large amounts can add up if you take more than one supplement.
Check the evidence. Senior author Professor Joyce Harper said there is limited research showing that many menopause-specific supplements work.
Dr Anne-Marie Boylan of the University of Oxford commented on the study. She said many of these ingredients are also in regular multivitamins or herbal products not made for menopause. Those are often cheaper.
Our guide to How to Choose a Magnesium Supplement shows one way to read a supplement label.
What This Study Can’t Tell You
This review looked at product labels and websites. It did not test whether the products work. It also did not test the products themselves for quality, how well the body absorbs them, or whether they meet rules.
Some information came from product websites and may be incomplete or wrong. The review covered UK products only and may have missed some.
So it cannot say whether any single product works. The results may also not match what is sold in other countries.
Common Questions
Does a higher price mean a better product?
Not necessarily. The review’s press release noted there is little evidence that even the most expensive products work.
Can food provide the same vitamins and minerals?
For some women, yes. Dr Boylan said a balanced diet may provide many of the vitamins and minerals found in these products. The British Menopause Society also stresses a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
What do the researchers want to happen next?
They want more high-quality research, including clinical trials, to find out which ingredients work and are safe. They also hope doctors will know how much products vary. That way, they can talk through evidence-based options with patients.
Menopause supplements are a fast-growing market, and labels do not make the differences easy to see. Reading the ingredients, the dose, and the evidence before you buy is the most useful step.
If your symptoms affect daily life, a doctor or pharmacist is a good place to start. Our guide to HRT for Perimenopause: What to Know Before You Decide covers the medical option.
Keep Reading
Which supplements do have research behind them? 9 Supplements for Midlife Women: An Honest Guide to What Actually Works
Curious what the evidence says about hormone-balance products? Natural Supplements for Hormone Balance: What Research Says
Wondering how to tell marketing claims from real evidence? Do Brain Fog Supplements Actually Work? Evidence vs. Hype
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment.