Overview
- A UCL‑led analysis of about 201 menopause‑specific products sold across nine UK retailers and online sellers found no single common ingredient and large differences in doses and prices, the study reported in Climacteric and covered on Sept 10–11.
- Roughly half the products did not contain vitamin D and only about 23.9% included calcium, nutrients recommended for post‑menopausal bone health by specialist bodies.
- Most supplements contained herbs, vitamins or phytoestrogens such as clover and sage, but the evidence that these branded menopause products relieve symptoms is limited and mixed.
- Researchers warned some formulations could pose risks if taken in excess — for example very high vitamin D can lead to high calcium with symptoms like vomiting and confusion, and black cohosh has been linked to rare liver toxicity.
- The team urged high‑quality clinical trials, clearer consumer information and stronger oversight because many women are spending widely different amounts on unproven products instead of seeking established options such as diet, exercise or medical advice including HRT.