A recent review of supplements marketed for menopause relief suggests that many products may not offer significant benefits beyond those of a standard multivitamin, despite commanding much higher prices. The analysis examined 26 popular menopause supplements and found that they varied widely in their ingredients and often lacked meaningful amounts of key nutrients associated with managing menopausal symptoms.
The scrutiny comes amid increasing awareness of menopause as a biological phase, rather than a stigmatized condition, which has led to a surge in products targeting women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. However, experts caution that this growing market is rife with overhyped claims and inconsistent formulations.
Alice Smellie, a menopause expert and co-author of a book on the subject, highlighted concerns over exaggerated marketing that promises broad symptom relief and even weight loss, often without transparent clinical evidence. She noted the relatively recent inclusion of menopause topics in medical education: since 2024, UK medical students must pass mandatory assessments covering women’s health, including menopause. Despite this progress, gaps remain in practitioner training and awareness, with some women reportedly being denied hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or prescribed antidepressants instead.
As a result, many women turn to dietary supplements in search of symptom relief. The review found that these menopause-specific products often contain a wide array of ingredients—more than 80 were identified across 26 products—but no single ingredient appeared consistently in every formula. Moreover, the inclusion of the term “menopause” on packaging was linked to substantially higher costs, with some supplements priced at up to £500 annually. By contrast, a basic multivitamin offering similar nutritional support may cost less than £22 per year.
Nutritionist Emma Bardwell, author of the "30g Plan Cookbook," expressed skepticism about the necessity of specialized menopause supplements. She acknowledged the potential value of supplements but criticized the portrayal of menopause as a condition requiring extensive nutritional intervention. Bardwell emphasized that, for many women, maintaining a balanced diet may be sufficient without reliance on numerous supplements marketed specifically for menopausal symptoms.
The findings raise questions about the regulation and marketing of menopause supplements, highlighting a need for clearer guidance for consumers and further research to substantiate product claims. Meanwhile, experts encourage women to consult healthcare professionals before investing in costly menopause-specific supplements, especially given the availability of more affordable multivitamins that may provide comparable nutritional benefits.