Many menopause supplements marketed to women experiencing menopausal symptoms are potentially ineffective and may contain harmful ingredients, according to a new warning from experts. Some products, while claiming to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and brain fog, could pose risks of vomiting, confusion, and organ damage if taken in high doses.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) analyzed the ingredients, dosages, and costs of over 200 menopause supplements from nine major retailers. Their findings indicate that approximately half of the supplements on the market do not contain nutrients with proven benefits for menopausal health, such as vitamin D and calcium. The study suggests that consumers are falling victim to a "menopause gold rush," spending significant amounts on products lacking scientific evidence.
"Some nutrients can have adverse effects when consumed in excess over time," explained Poppy Sullivan, a co-author of the research and menopause expert at UCL. She noted that excessive vitamin D intake, for example, could theoretically lead to high calcium levels, causing adverse effects like vomiting and confusion. Additionally, certain botanical ingredients found in some supplements may carry risks. Black cohosh, a herb often promoted for night sweats, is known to have a potential risk of liver toxicity.
The global market for menopause supplements is substantial, with experts cautioning that without more robust research and stricter regulations, many women may be purchasing ineffective products. "The menopause supplement market is growing rapidly, despite limited scientific evidence that many of these products improve menopause symptoms," stated Professor Joyce Harper, lead author of the study and an expert in women's health. She added that social media influencers promoting these products often do so without scientific backing, contributing to misinformation and driving sales.
Menopause typically occurs when a woman's periods cease due to declining hormone levels, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. In the UK, an estimated 13 million women are currently perimenopausal or menopausal. Common symptoms experienced by many include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, brain fog, and mood changes.
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered a first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms, some women seek supplements for additional support. The British Menopause Society recommends a daily vitamin D supplement for women of menopausal age, and the International Menopause Society highlights the importance of adequate calcium for preventing osteoporosis, a condition common after menopause. However, the UCL investigation found that only about half of the analyzed supplements contained vitamin D, and less than a quarter included calcium. Many products instead featured herbs and plant compounds, such as red clover, which are claimed to mimic estrogen's effects.
Cost variations among supplements were significant, with prices ranging from £1.50 to £95 per month. Experts suggest that a balanced diet might provide many of the necessary vitamins and minerals, and that ingredients found in menopause-specific supplements are often available in general multivitamins or less expensive herbal products. For symptoms significantly impacting quality of life, seeking medical advice remains the most effective option, though some women express hesitation due to concerns about not being taken seriously by healthcare professionals.
The researchers are advocating for more high-quality research, including clinical trials, to establish the efficacy and safety of ingredients in menopause supplements for women going through this life stage.