Women going through menopause are increasingly being offered supplements marketed specifically for symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and brain fog. But some products costing hundreds of pounds a year contain many of the same vitamins and minerals as much cheaper multivitamins, according to a new analysis.

Consumer watchdog Which? assessed 26 menopause supplements marketed towards women going through perimenopause, menopause or those aged over 45. The review examined more than 80 active ingredients, comparing their doses with available scientific evidence.

The analysis found wide differences in the products' ingredients, doses and prices. Some contained nutrients or herbal ingredients at levels that may not provide the benefits suggested by their marketing.

Some of the products cost more than £400 a year, while Which? highlighted a £22-a-year multivitamin as an example of a significantly cheaper product containing a range of vitamins and minerals.

Why Are Menopause Supplements So Expensive?

The menopause supplement market has expanded rapidly, with products often combining vitamins and minerals with herbal extracts, botanicals and other ingredients promoted specifically for midlife women.

Which? found considerable variation between products, including the amount of individual nutrients they contained and the evidence supporting their use for menopause symptoms.

The amount of an ingredient matters as much as whether it appears on a label. A supplement can contain a particular vitamin, mineral or botanical without necessarily providing enough of it to produce the effect seen in scientific studies.

Some products assessed by Which? contained ingredients in amounts substantially lower than those used in research, raising questions about whether consumers are getting meaningful amounts for the prices they pay.

This can make menopause supplements particularly difficult to compare. A long list of ingredients on a label does not necessarily mean a product provides clinically meaningful amounts of each one.

Which Nutrients Matter During Menopause?

Menopause is associated with changes in oestrogen levels that can affect bone health, making adequate calcium and vitamin D particularly important.

A separate review by researchers at University College London found substantial variation in the ingredients and prices of menopause supplements available in the UK. Fewer than half of the products examined contained both calcium and vitamin D.

That does not mean every woman needs a menopause-specific supplement, however.

Nutritional requirements vary depending on a person's diet, age, health and medications. Someone with a diagnosed deficiency may need a specific supplement at an appropriate dose, while another person may already obtain enough of a nutrient through their diet.

A standard multivitamin also cannot automatically replace every nutrient a person may need. Calcium, for example, is generally required in larger amounts than can easily be included in a typical multivitamin.

Read more

Do Herbal Menopause Supplements Work?

Many menopause supplements contain botanical ingredients such as soy isoflavones, sage, red clover or ashwagandha.

Some individual ingredients have been studied for particular menopause symptoms, but the evidence varies considerably between ingredients and products. A supplement containing several botanicals is not automatically effective simply because each ingredient has been studied separately.

Which? found that some products contained botanical ingredients at doses lower than those examined in clinical research.

The term 'natural' also does not necessarily mean risk-free. Herbal ingredients can interact with medicines or cause side effects, and some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions.

Ashwagandha, for example, has been marketed for stress and other menopause-related concerns, but there are concerns about its use in people with thyroid disorders, as well as reports of rare liver injury.

Consumers should also be cautious about assuming that a supplement marketed specifically for menopause has been clinically tested as a complete product. Evidence for one ingredient does not necessarily establish that an entire supplement formulation will provide the same benefits.

Are Supplements an Alternative to HRT?

Menopause supplements are sometimes marketed as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, but supplements and HRT are not equivalent treatments.

HRT replaces hormones that decline during menopause and is an established treatment for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Supplements may instead provide individual nutrients or plant compounds, with their effects depending on the specific ingredient, dose and quality of evidence behind it.

That does not mean supplements have no role in menopause care. Some women may need supplements to correct or prevent nutritional deficiencies, while others may choose them for specific symptoms after discussing the options with a healthcare professional.

The findings do, however, highlight why a product marketed specifically for menopause is not necessarily better simply because it costs more.

Before spending hundreds of pounds a year on a menopause supplement, women may want to check which ingredients it contains, whether they are present at meaningful doses and whether there is evidence supporting the product's specific claims.

Anyone taking medication or managing an existing health condition should also speak with a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before starting a new supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are menopause supplements expensive?
    Menopause supplements often combine vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, leading to variations in ingredients and prices. Some products may not provide clinically meaningful amounts of nutrients, affecting their value.
  • Do all menopause supplements contain calcium and vitamin D?
    No, fewer than half of the menopause supplements examined contained both calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health during menopause.
  • Are herbal menopause supplements effective?
    The effectiveness of herbal menopause supplements varies. Some ingredients have been studied for menopause symptoms, but evidence varies, and not all products contain effective doses.
  • Can menopause supplements replace hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    No, menopause supplements and HRT are not equivalent. HRT replaces hormones that decline during menopause, while supplements provide individual nutrients or plant compounds.
  • What should consumers consider before buying menopause supplements?
    Consumers should check the ingredients, their doses, and the evidence supporting the product's claims. Consulting a healthcare professional is advised, especially if taking medication or managing a health condition.
Read more