UCL study warns of safety risks in menopause supplements

Key nutrients missing: Half of menopause supplements studied lacked vitamin D and less than a quarter contained calcium, despite both being recommended for bone health.

Potential health hazards: Some products contain black cohosh, linked to liver toxicity, or excessive vitamin D, which can cause vomiting, confusion and organ damage.

Call for regulation: Researchers urge clinical trials and tighter oversight to curb misinformation and protect women from ineffective or harmful products.

UCL study flags safety risks in popular menopause supplements

University College London researchers analysed 201 menopause supplements from nine UK retailers, revealing wide variation in ingredients, doses and prices. Half lacked vitamin D and only 23.9% contained calcium, both recommended by menopause societies for bone health. Many products instead featured herbs, vitamins and phytoestrogens, with some botanicals such as black cohosh carrying known risks of liver toxicity, and excessive vitamin D intake posing potential for harmful calcium imbalances. 

Ingredient Type

Prevalence in Products

Common Examples

Potential Health Risks

Herbs

80%

Red clover, Sage

Some may carry liver toxicity (e.g., black cohosh)

Vitamins

77%

Vitamin B6

Excessive intake can cause high calcium levels, vomiting, confusion

Phytooestrogens

74%

Soy derivatives, Red clover

May affect hormone-sensitive conditions

Vitamin D

50%

Vitamin D3

Excessive intake can lead to high calcium levels and organ damage

Calcium

23.9%

Calcium carbonate

Deficiency may affect bone health; excessive intake can cause adverse effects.

Why these findings matter for millions of women

Around 13 million women in the UK are perimenopausal or menopausal, with about 80% experiencing symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog and mood changes. While hormone replacement therapy is the main treatment, many turn to supplements for relief, often influenced by marketing that is not backed by scientific evidence. The study warns that misinformation and high prices—up to £95 a month—could lead women to spend substantially on products with unproven benefits and possible health risks. 

Experts warn of 'menopause gold rush' fuelled by misinformation

Lead author Professor Joyce Harper described a 'menopause gold rush', with companies targeting mid‑life women and influencers promoting products without scientific backing. This trend risks spreading misinformation and diverting consumers from evidence‑based care. Experts note many active ingredients in menopause supplements are available in cheaper general multivitamins or herbal products, and that a balanced diet may provide similar nutritional benefits without the risks. The Independent +4

Recent cases and regulatory alerts highlight ongoing risks

Case reports, such as a suspected supplement‑induced eosinophilic ascites, and regulatory advisories on botanicals like ashwagandha and black cohosh, illustrate real‑world health risks. These range from rare but severe liver injury to gastrointestinal symptoms and potential drug interactions. Authorities advise stopping use and seeking medical attention if symptoms like jaundice, dark urine or unusual fatigue occur, underscoring the need for consumer vigilance and professional guidance.

Supplement

Reported Adverse Event

Population/Case

Regulatory/Guidance Notes

Black cohosh

Liver toxicity, jaundice, fatigue

Multiple cases including 52- and 54-year-old women

UK packaging warns to stop if liver symptoms appear; avoid in pregnancy and liver disease

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Liver injury, gastrointestinal symptoms

Reported in Australia and internationally; some hospitalizations

TGA advises stopping use if symptoms occur; very rare risk

Soy isoflavones

Abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine lining changes

High-dose intake (>40g/day) in postmenopausal women

Caution in hormone-sensitive conditions; moderate dietary intake considered safe

St. John’s Wort

Serotonin syndrome, drug interactions, dizziness

Included in some menopause formulas

Can interact with tamoxifen, blood thinners, contraceptives; monitor closely

Red ginseng

Vaginal bleeding

Postmenopausal women in clinical studies

Monitor for unexpected bleeding; evaluate for serious conditions.