Menopause is a significant life stage that brings with it a variety of physical and emotional changes.

As women navigate the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, many seek relief in the form of supplements, hoping to alleviate hot flushes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and other discomforts. However, the supplement industry is largely unregulated (like aesthetics!) and many businesses specifically target this vulnerable group with misleading or exaggerated claims.

The Risks of Unregulated Supplements

Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not subject to the same rigorous testing and regulation. This means that some products marketed to menopausal women may:

• Contain unverified or ineffective ingredients
• Lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their claims
• Include undisclosed additives or contaminants
• Interact negatively with prescribed hormone therapy or other medications

For women already navigating hormonal shifts, the last thing they need is to unknowingly consume ineffective or potentially harmful substances. Unfortunately, some businesses exploit the fears and frustrations associated with menopause, prioritising profit over patient safety.

It is REALLY rare for me to see a lady in my menopause clinic without a long list of supplements that she is already taking that are often costly and frequently pointless. Of course, there are some very useful supplements that I do advise my patients to take, or try in certain situations.

In defence of some of these dubious pills and potions, the fact that evidence to support their use is just not available yet doesn’t mean that there may not be in the future, of course.

Common Supplements for Menopause – Do They Work?

Several supplements claim to ease menopause symptoms, but their effectiveness varies. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:

1. Black Cohosh – Often marketed for hot flushes and night sweats, black cohosh has mixed research findings. Not advisable if patients have had breast cancer. Interacts with tamoxifen.
2. Soy Isoflavones – These plant-based compounds mimic oestrogen and may offer mild symptom relief. However, they may not be suitable for women with certain medical histories, such as oestrogen-sensitive cancers. Many studies poor quality and short term. Data not available at the moment to advise use.
3. Magnesium – A beneficial mineral that supports bone health and sleep regulation. Unlike some unproven remedies, magnesium is generally safe and can aid relaxation. Possibly useful for PMS and menopause but good data not available to advise in a clinical setting. Possibly Migraine patients may benefit from magnesium glycinate.
4. Vitamin B – Evidence of benefit exists.

I have  list of supplements that may be useful for certain situations and if there is evidence to support this that I have compiled through my experience and specialist training.

How to Make Safe Choices

When considering supplements, we should take the following precautions:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: A menopause specialist or GP can provide personalised advice based on individual health needs. This is often though not an easy GP appointment as the range of supplements on our social media for example, has become so vast, promising us so much benefit. GP’s simply don’t have the time to know the ins and out of it all.
• Look for Clinical Evidence: Choose supplements backed by reputable studies rather than anecdotal success stories or social media claims.
• Be Wary of Bold Claims: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Phrases like “miracle cure” or “instant relief” should raise red flags.
• Check for Quality Assurance: Opt for brands that adhere to stringent testing, such as those with MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) – the THR Certification Mark should be on the packaging.

The THR Certification Mark shows that a product has been registered by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency under the UK Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme. A product bearing this Mark meets the required standards for safety, quality and patient information. Under this scheme, the permitted indications for the medicine are based on traditional usage and not on evidence of effectiveness of the product. More information about the THR scheme can be found on the Traditional Herbal Medicines Registration Scheme webpage at www.mhra.gov.uk.

Ethical Healthcare Over Profit-Driven Marketing

Menopause care should be based on science, ethics, and patient safety—not on exploiting insecurities for commercial gain. It is alarming to me how far supplement companies will go to exploit patients who are feeling unwell.

Diet is everything. The most effective strategies often involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and evidence-based supplementation where necessary. At my Newcastle upon Tyne based menopause clinic, we prioritise informed decision-making, ensuring that women receive reliable guidance tailored to their unique health profiles.

If you’re considering supplements as part of your menopause journey, I encourage you to seek professional advice before making a purchase. Together, we can navigate this transition safely and confidently, free from the influence of unethical marketing tactics.