What is in the bottle? An analysis of the ingredients in menopause supplements.

OBJECTIVE

Menopause supplements are a global market projected to reach $25 billion by 2030, despite a lack of evidence on their efficacy. This study analyzed the ingredients, doses and costs of menopause supplements in the UK.

METHOD: A systematic search of nine UK retailers and Google Shopping was conducted using the terms 'menopause' and 'menopause supplements'. Products with the term 'menopause' in their name or description were included; duplicates, bundles and discontinued items were excluded. Ingredients were categorized as vitamins and minerals, botanicals, and other active and non-active ingredients. Doses and costs were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 201 menopause supplements. Herbs (80.1%), vitamins (76.6%) and phytoestrogens (74.1%) were the most common ingredients. Vitamin B6 appeared in 69.2% of products, while zinc and magnesium were found in 48.8% and 47.3%, respectively. Red clover (38.8%) and sage (42.8%) were the most common phytoestrogen and herb. Costs ranged from £1.50 to £95 per month.

CONCLUSION

Menopause supplements contain highly variable ingredients and are often expensive. They are being sold to women as a way to reduce menopause symptoms despite the limited empirical evidence currently available. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the wide variability in supplement formulations and discuss evidence-based treatment options with women considering these products.