Pricey menopause supplements marketed to mid-life women are at best useless and, at worst, delivering ‘potentially toxic’ ingredients, experts have warned.
Some products – that claim to reduce symptoms like hot flushes and brain fog – could put women at risk of vomiting, confusion and organ damage, if taken at high doses.
Meanwhile, roughly half of the supplements on the market do not contain nutrients that are proven to boost menopausal health, such as vitamin D and calcium, University College London (UCL) researchers found.
The team analysed the ingredients, doses and cost of more than 200 menopause supplements from nine major retailers.
They concluded that consumers are falling victim to a ‘menopause gold rush’, with women spending hundreds of pounds on products ‘not supported by scientific evidence’.
Poppy Sullivan, co-author of the research and menopause expert from UCL added: ‘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.
Menopause happens when a woman’s periods stop due to lower hormone levels
‘Certain botanical ingredients in some menopause supplements may also have risks.’
Ms Sullivan pointed specifically to a herb called black cohosh, which is said to be beneficial for night sweats but is ‘known to carry a potential risk of liver toxicity.’
The global market for menopause supplements is expected to surpass £18.4 million by 2030.
But experts warn that without better research and stricter regulations, women could be spending substantial amounts on dummy pills.
‘The menopause supplement market is growing rapidly, despite limited scientific evidence that many of these products improve menopause symptoms,’ Professor Joyce Harper, expert in women health and study lead author said.
‘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.’
But, she added: ‘There is currently limited research available to substantiate the efficacy of many menopause-specific supplements.’
The menopause is when a woman’s periods stop due to lower hormone levels, usually between the ages of 45 and 55.
It is estimated that there are currently around 13 million perimenopausal or menopausal women in the UK.
Common physical symptoms experienced by some 80 per cent of women include hot flushes, palpitations and difficulty sleeping, and mental symptoms including brain fog and mood changes.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as women approach the menopause
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the first line of treatment, but some women turn to supplements for added help with symptom management.
The British Menopause Society recommends a daily 10mcg or 400IU vitamin D supplement only for women of menopausal age.
The International Menopause Society states that adequate calcium is vital for the prevention of brittle bone condition osteoporosis, which is common post-menopause.
But the investigation found half the products analysed contained vitamin D, while less than a quarter included bone-boosting calcium.
Instead, most were found to contain herbs and plant compounds, such as red clover, which is said to mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body and ease symptoms.
The investigation also revealed a large discrepancy in cost, with prices ranging from as little as £1.50 to £95 per month.
Dr Anne-Marie Boylan, an expert in qualitative health research at the University of Oxford said: ‘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.
‘For symptoms affecting quality of life, the best option remains medical advice, though some women hesitate for fear of feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals.’
The researchers are now calling for more high-quality research into menopause supplements, including clinical trials, to determine which ingredients are effective and safe for menopausal women.
