Menopause supplements primarily target hot flashes, night sweats, mood, and sleep. Evidence quality varies widely by ingredient. None match the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy, but several offer meaningful relief.
- Black cohosh (20β40 mg standardized extract/day): Most-studied menopause supplement. Multiple meta-analyses show modest reduction in hot flash frequency.
- Soy isoflavones (40β80 mg/day): Phytoestrogens. Benefits most pronounced in women who efficiently metabolize equol (about 30% of Western women).
- Red clover (40β80 mg isoflavones/day): Similar phytoestrogen mechanism to soy.
- Magnesium glycinate (200β400 mg/day): Helps sleep and anxiety during menopausal transition.
- Ashwagandha (300β600 mg KSM-66): Supports cortisol regulation and sleep quality during menopause.
- Black cohosh products with unclear hepatotoxicity warnings
- High-dose phytoestrogens in women with hormone-sensitive cancer history
- "Bioidentical hormones" marketed as supplements (usually contain actual hormones β prescription only)
- Proprietary "menopause support" blends obscuring individual doses
Standardized extracts, clinical doses, third-party testing, and clear safety guidance for women with estrogen-sensitive cancer histories. We prioritize single-ingredient products that allow personalized stacking.