A study led by University College London (UCL) has found that some supplements claiming to ease menopause symptoms lack key nutrients and show a “huge variation” in vitamin and mineral doses, which could cause side-effects when consumed long-term. The research comes amid a growing “menopause gold rush” in the supplement industry, according to the researchers.
Study findings on ingredients and doses
Researchers examined the cost, doses and ingredients in menopause supplements across nine major retailers and online sellers, finding 201 different products available to buy. Half of those tested did not contain vitamin D, which helps protect bone health, and only 23.9% contained calcium. The analysis also found no single common ingredient.
Most supplements (80%) contained herbs, vitamins (77%) or phytoestrogens (74%), plant compounds with a chemical structure similar to human oestrogen. Vitamin B6 was the most common vitamin, while clover and sage were the most common herbs.
Concerns over misinformation and side-effects
Professor Joyce Harper, of the UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, said: “Menopause can cause symptoms that affect daily life. The menopause supplement market is growing rapidly, despite limited scientific evidence that many of these products improve menopause symptoms.”
She added: “The menopause gold rush is growing as companies realise that mid-life women are an important consumer market for menopause products such as supplements. Some social media influencers promote these products as effective solutions, despite many claims not being supported by scientific evidence. This can contribute to the spread of misinformation and help drive a rapidly growing menopause supplement market, leading some women to spend substantial amounts of money on supplements in the hope of improving their symptoms and overall wellbeing. There is currently limited research available to substantiate the efficacy of many menopause-specific supplements.”
According to the study, prices of supplements ranged widely, from £1.50 to £95. Researchers also suggested some ingredients can have “adverse effects” over time. Poppy Sullivan, also of UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health and Queen Mary University of London, said: “Menopause supplements contain a wide variety of active and inactive ingredients, the majority of which are not specifically recommended by any major menopause societies.”
She continued: “The huge variation in vitamin and mineral doses is also a cause for concern. Some nutrients can have adverse effects when consumed in excess over time. For example, excessive vitamin D intake can theoretically lead to high calcium levels, which could cause adverse effects such as vomiting and confusion. Furthermore, certain botanical ingredients in some menopause supplements may also have risks. Black cohosh, in particular, is known to carry a potential risk of liver toxicity.”
Experts point to cheaper alternatives
Dr Anne-Marie Boylan of the University of Oxford said the findings, published in the journal Climacteric, highlight the importance of women having access to evidence-based information. “The British Menopause Society emphasises the importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity,” she added. “For some women, ensuring a balanced diet may provide many of the vitamins and minerals found in menopause supplements. Many ingredients in menopause supplements are also available in general multivitamins or herbal products not branded for menopause, which are often cheaper alternatives.”
She concluded: “For symptoms affecting quality of life, the best option remains medical advice, though some women hesitate for fear of feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals.”
