Catching up with menopause supplement science

Ingredients including nitrates, krill oil, soy isoflavones, royal jelly and targeted probiotics are being studied for defined endpoints—from muscle quality and bone health to skin, sexual function and vasomotor symptoms. Findings indicate that outcomes are context dependent, increasingly shaped by formulation, dose, duration, co‑interventions, baseline health and even genetics.

Below a look at the latest science exploring the emerging study and variable impact of supplementation along the menopause journey.

fMRI study explores choline’s impact on post-menopausal brain

In a Balchem-funded pilot study, researchers from the University of Vermont reported that a single oral dose of choline reduced activation in parts of the right temporal lobe during a working-memory challenge.

The trial enrolled 20 cognitively normal postmenopausal between the ages of 50 and 65 who completed two study days—receiving 1,650 mg of choline bitartrate (Balchem’s VitaCholine) given three hours before scanning on day one and a matched placebo on day two. During fMRI, participants performed a verbal N-back task that ramps up working-memory load, allowing the team to compare brain responses under easier versus harder conditions.

“Changes in gonadal steroid availability after menopause are associated with physiologic changes that can have profound clinical implications,” the researchers wrote. “It has been hypothesized that menopause has detrimental effects on cognition greater than that expected to be seen with normal aging, though evidence for this has been equivocal.”

They proposed that choline may increase brain functional efficiency in low estrogenic conditions like menopause but called for further studies.

Sabeet linked to improved muscle quality in postmenopausal women

A Sabinsa-sponsored trial investigated the effects of its Sabeet-branded nitrate‑rich beetroot extract on skeletal muscle quality and function in postmenopausal women. Estrogen and nitric oxide bioavailability decline after menopause—both of which are implicated in age‑related muscle deterioration.

The study involved 20 women who were assigned to consume either a nitrate‑rich beetroot extract (548 mg of nitrate per day) or a nitrate‑depleted placebo for 12 weeks. Outcomes included ultrasound‑derived measures of muscle thickness and echo intensity, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), multiple indices of RFD and circulating serum nitrate and nitrite concentrations. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 8 weeks and 12 weeks.

“Our main findings revealed that supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot extract improves rate of force development and morphological muscle quality, as well as increases serum nitrate and nitrite levels,” the researchers wrote in the journal Nutrients. “These findings provide novel evidence supporting the use of prolonged dietary nitrate supplementation as a practical nutritional strategy for mitigating age-related declines in muscle composition and neuromuscular performance.”

They called for future studies to include more diverse populations, along with direct assessments of neuromuscular activation, muscle biopsy parameters and cellular function, to clarify the mechanisms by which dietary nitrate influences muscle health in aging, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Chamomile may ease some menopause symptoms but not quality of life

A triple‑blind randomized controlled trial from Iran examined whether chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) supplementation can improve quality of life in postmenopausal women.

The study enrolled 80 women between the ages of 47 and 62 and tested a daily dose of 400 mg chamomile extract, standardized to 1.2% apigenin, against a placebo over a 12‑week period. The researchers focused on menopause‑specific quality of life outcomes, including vasomotor, psychological, physical and sexual domains.

“Chamomile significantly reduced vasomotor symptoms compared to placebo,” the researchers wrote in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. “No significant improvements were observed in psychological, physical, sexual or overall QOL scores. Mild side effects (mouth sores, skin spots) caused the withdrawal of two participants from the Chamomile group.”

The study attributed the improvement in vasomotor symptoms to chamomile’s phytoestrogenic flavonoids, particularly apigenin, which can weakly bind estrogen receptors and influence estrogen‑responsive pathways.

Review explores melatonin for menopause

A comprehensive systematic review and meta‑analysis evaluated the effects of melatonin supplementation on bone health and quality‑of‑life outcomes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, noting that evidence does not support the hormone as an effective standalone treatment for common menopausal symptoms.

Drawing on 10 randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2024 with a total of 497 participants, the analysis examined melatonin’s impact on bone mineral density (BMD), sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, mood, sexual function, body mass index (BMI), insulin levels and adverse events. Across studies, melatonin doses varied widely—from 1 mg to 3 g—and were frequently administered alongside other supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, fluoxetine or myo‑inositol.

The strongest signal emerged for bone health, with melatonin‑containing regimens associated with improvements in BMD, particularly at the femoral neck and when combined with calcium and vitamin D.

“Available evidence suggests that melatonin-containing supplements may be associated with improved BMD in menopausal women, but the independent effect of melatonin and an optimal dose remain unclear due to heterogeneity in interventions and the prevalent use of combination therapies,” researchers from China wrote in the Frontiers in Nutrition. “For other outcomes (sleep, menopausal symptoms, mood, sexual function, BMI and insulin), the evidence is currently inconclusive. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.”

Short‑term melatonin use (up to 12 months) appeared well tolerated, with adverse event rates similar to placebo, but the authors note emerging observational evidence suggesting potential cardiovascular risks associated with long‑term melatonin use, highlighting a gap not addressed by existing randomized trials.

Superba Krill oil may improve muscle strength for all older adults

A study from researchers affiliated with institutions in the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Lithuania presented an exploratory analysis of a double‑blind, randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of six months of krill oil supplementation on muscle strength, size and neuromuscular function in healthy older adults.

Published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, this secondary analysis assessed whether krill oil supplementation effects differed by sex, age or BMI), factors known to influence age‑related muscle decline.

Ninety‑four low‑activity adults aged 65 and over with BMI <35 kg/m² received 4 grams a day of SuperbaBoost krill oil or a control oil for six months.

Outcomes included muscle strength, muscle thickness, physical function and neuromuscular measures. Krill oil significantly improved muscle strength and thickness compared with control, with benefits consistent across sex, age and BMI subgroups. Physical function measures did not improve, likely due to high baseline function and limited test sensitivity.

“In conclusion, krill oil supplementation improved muscle strength and size in older adults regardless of age, sex and BMI status, although neuromuscular effects of krill oil on membrane excitability, via the Mwave, may be more pronounced in men,” the research team reported.

Citrulline may improve blood pressure in postmenopausal women

A systematic review published in BMC Women’s Health examined whether citrulline—a popular amino acid supplement found naturally in foods like watermelon—can meaningfully improve cardiovascular, muscular and metabolic health in postmenopausal women.

The 12 studies included in the review were conducted in the United States and involved a total of 360 women between the ages of 50 and 75, with intervention lasting from four to eight weeks.

The most consistent findings were observed for cardiovascular outcomes, particularly blood pressure. Several studies reported modest reductions in systolic blood pressure, along with improvements in mean arterial pressure. Evidence for benefits on arterial stiffness and endothelial function was more mixed, although some trials demonstrated improvements in flow‑mediated dilation, especially in women with pre‑existing vascular dysfunction or when citrulline was combined with other interventions such as exercise or antioxidants.

Citrulline supplementation alone showed limited effects on muscle mass, strength and metabolic parameters. Improvements in muscle outcomes were generally observed only when citrulline was paired with resistance‑based training programs, suggesting an additive or synergistic effect. Metabolic measures—including body weight, glucose, insulin and lipid profiles—showed no consistent or clinically meaningful changes across studies.

“Citrulline supplementation may offer benefits for blood pressure regulation (up to 9 mmHg SBP reduction in some studies) in hypertensive postmenopausal women, but evidence for arterial stiffness, endothelial function and metabolic outcomes remains inconsistent,” the researchers wrote. “Further large-scale studies are needed before clinical recommendations can be made.”

Could green tea extract reduce inflammation linked to cancer risk in obese, postmenopausal women?

Long‑term, high‑dose green tea extract supplementation does not substantially reduce systemic inflammation in generally healthy postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, according to a secondary analysis from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial.

The large randomized, double‑blinded, placebo‑controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation on biomarkers relevant to breast cancer risk. Led by Rutgers University researchers, it analyzed data from 97 postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity who were randomly assigned to receive either a high‑dose GTE supplement or a placebo for one year.

“This secondary analysis found that long-term, high-dose GTE supplementation (EGCG 843 mg/day for one year) does not reduce systemic inflammation in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, particularly those without elevated inflammation at baseline,” the researchers wrote in Nutrients. “The COMT genotype did not modify the response to treatment.”

They highlighted biological constraints, including EGCG’s limited bioavailability and extensive metabolism, which may reduce the impact of even high supplemental doses, and called for future research to focus on populations with higher inflammatory burden and consider tissue‑specific outcomes rather than circulating markers alone.

Solabia evaluates effect of olive leaf extract on postmenopausal skin

A Solabia-funded study examined whether 12 weeks of anti-oxidant rich olive leaf extract (OLE) supplementation could influence systemic markers of tissue aging and skin quality in postmenopausal women.

Sixty‑five healthy postmenopausal women received either 250 mg of OLE or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Circulating markers related to extracellular matrix remodeling and glycation were measured.

“This randomized, placebo-controlled trial did not demonstrate statistically significant effects of 12 weeks of OLE supplementation on systemic markers of tissue aging and remodeling in postmenopausal women,” the researchers reported.

“However, the observed trends in elastin preservation and pentosidine reduction suggest that OLE supplementation may influence pathways involved in extracellular matrix preservation and protein glycation. Additionally, exploratory skin analyses revealed improvements in pore number and surface skewness, suggesting localized effects on skin structure.

While short‑term OLE supplementation did not significantly alter systemic aging markers, the study noted that preliminary findings supporting further research using larger samples, longer intervention periods and skin‑specific endpoints to better define the role of OLE in postmenopausal aging.

Review evaluates royal jelly for postmenopausal symptoms

A systematic review and meta‑analysis published in Menopause (The Journal of the Menopause Society) examined evidence of the effectiveness of royal jelly, a bioactive produced by honeybees, for alleviating postmenopausal symptoms due to its estrogen‑like and antioxidant properties.

The researchers in Brazil conducted a comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and the Cochrane Library through May 2025. Of 281 records initially identified, six randomized controlled trials involving a total of 471 postmenopausal women met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.

Pooled results indicated that royal jelly supplementation was associated with a statistically significant improvement in overall postmenopausal symptoms compared with placebo. The estimated effect size suggested a moderate benefit, and statistical heterogeneity across studies was low. The evidence base was limited by the small number of included trials, variation in royal jelly formulations and dosages and differences in outcome assessment tools.

“Royal jelly supplementation may offer a promising nonhormone option for managing menopausal symptoms and supporting bone and genitourinary health, especially for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy,” the researchers reported, calling for larger, well‑designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosing and clarify which symptom domains may benefit most from supplementation.

Lactobacillus acidophilus may support sexual function and QoL in menopause

Researchers at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran found that daily supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilussignificantly improved sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction and overall sexual function and quality of life scores compared to placebo in a group of 59 women, though no benefits were observed for lubrication, orgasm or pain.

Participants between the ages of 40 and 60 years old received either a daily probiotic capsule containing 3 × 10⁹ CFU or a placebo for eight weeks.

“[P]robiotics may serve as a safe and non-hormonal option for enhancing women’s health during the menopausal transition,” the researchers wrote in Scientific Reports. “However, for issues related to mucosal atrophy, such as vaginal dryness and pain, targeted local treatments remain necessary.”

They noted that future research should explore larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods and assessment of the vaginal microbiota to confirm these findings and determine the most effective therapeutic strategies.

Tongkat Ali may improve quality of life during menopause

A study published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases evaluated the effects of Physta, a standardized water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) marketed by study sponsor Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, on menopausal quality of life and mood.

Over 12 weeks, 138 women between the ages of 40 and 55 with menopausal symptoms received either Physta 50 mg, Physta 100 mg or a placebo. Outcomes of the randomized, placebo-controlled trial included menopause‑specific quality of life (MENQOL), mood states, safety measures and reproductive hormone profiles.

Comparing the two dosages of Physta (50 mg and 100 mg) in the study, results showed that Physta 100 mg improved the menopausal QOL, especially the physical and sexual function in 12 weeks,” the researchers reported, adding that the supplement was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events and no meaningful changes in vital signs, biochemical markers or reproductive hormones

They also noted that larger and longer‑term studies are needed to confirm efficacy and explore optimal dosing.

ADM researchers report postmenopausal skin improvements with Novasoy

ADM researchers investigated the effects of a soy isoflavone supplement (Novasoy 400) on skin health in postmenopausal women, with particular attention to the role of S‑equol, a gut‑derived metabolite of daidzein.

Over 12 weeks, 66 women received either the soy isoflavone supplement or placebo, with skin wrinkles, hydration, barrier function, skin color and urinary isoflavone metabolites assessed at baseline, mid‑study and study end.

“Soy isoflavone supplementation increased urinary S-equol concentrations and was associated with improvements in under-eye wrinkle appearance, skin hydration and barrier function—particularly among older postmenopausal women identified as S-equol producers,” the researchers wrote in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. “Findings suggest region-specific, time-sensitive effects dependent on S-equol levels.

Although the study recognized that results are exploratory and limited by the pilot design, it highlights S‑equol as a potential mediator of phytoestrogen‑related skin benefits and supports further research using larger, longer‑term trials stratified by equol‑producer status.

Research deepens into creatine and the menopause transition

A study from the University of Novi Sad evaluated the effects of low-dose creatine hydrochloride and creatine ethyl ester on cognitive and metabolic outcomes in perimenopausal and menopausal women, finding that an eight-week regimen enhanced cognition, increased brain creatine levels and improved lipid profiles without notable side effects or weight gain.

The medium-dose creatine hydrochloride group (CON-CRĒT, Vireo Systems) showed superior improvements in reaction time and mood swings compared to placebo and other groups, with positive effects observed even without exercise.

“To the best of our knowledge, this trial is the first to investigate the effects of low-dose creatine formulations on clinical outcomes and relevant biomarkers in perimenopausal and menopausal women,” the researchers wrote Journal of the American Nutrition

“Our findings indicate that an eight-week regimen of creatine hydrochloride (with or without creatine ethyl ester) was superior to placebo in enhancing cognition, increasing frontal brain creatine levels and favorably modulating serum lipid profiles in this population.”

They highlighted the potential of non-monohydrate creatine forms for this population but called for further studies to compare different creatine types, optimize dosing and better understand effects across menopause phases.

Meta-analysis explores vitamin K2’s bone health benefits

Drawing on nine randomized controlled trials involving 2,570 participants, a systematic review and meta‑analysis from researchers in China examined the effects of vitamin K2 supplementation on bone turnover biomarkers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

It focused on biochemical indicators of bone formation, bone resorption and vitamin K status rather than fracture or bone mineral density outcomes.

Vitamin K2 bone‑formation markers while reducing undercarboxylated osteocalcin—a sign of better vitamin K status. Results varied across studies due to differences in dose and study design. Effects on bone breakdown were small. Vitamin K2 slightly lowered one resorption marker, while others showed little or no consistent change.

“Although conclusions are limited by the number of included studies, substantial heterogeneity and potential bias, these findings support the potential role of vitamin K2 in improving bone metabolism by enhancing osteocalcin carboxylation and possibly modulating bone turnover processes,” the researchers wrote in the journal Frontiers in Endocronology.“Low-carboxylated osteocalcin may serve as an effective surrogate marker for assessing vitamin K2 bioactivity.”

They suggested that null or modest findings may reflect the formation‑dominant biological action of vitamin K2, short study durations and the widespread use of calcium and vitamin D co‑supplementation.

Study explores effects of exercise and omega-3s on post-menopausal health

Findings from a 16‑week clinical trial suggest that resistance training can enhance muscle function, while omega‑3 supplementation may help reduce cardiovascular risk in overweight or obese postmenopausal women, potentially through biological pathways involving muscle‑related signaling molecules known as myokines.

“Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) accompanied by a decline in muscle function,” the researchers from Spain wrote in the journal Nutrients. “Myokines, released by skeletal muscle, could play a significant role in cardiovascular health.”

While the resistance training (RT) and/or the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich n-3 PUFA supplementation interventions did not lead to significant increases in muscle mass, resistance training produced clear improvements in muscle quality, a measure of strength relative to muscle size. Women who received DHA‑rich omega‑3 supplements experienced reductions in very‑low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol and improvements in the atherogenic index, both indicators associated with heart disease risk.

“In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, RT could help improve skeletal muscle function, while DHA-rich n-3 supplementation might decrease CVD risk and might potentially improve muscle function,” the study concluded. “The modulation of myokine levels could be underlying some of the effects of DHA or RT; however, further research is necessary.”

L’Oréal’s rosemary extract linked to improved skin appearance in peri‑ and post‑menopausal women

A 12‑week randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled clinical trial found that a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract and its natural cofactors led to visible improvements in several markers of facial skin quality in women between the ages of 40 and 65.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, enrolled 104 peri‑ and post‑menopausal women with moderate to severe skin dullness and roughness. Participants were assigned to receive either the BioRewind (a rosemary-based supplement from L’Oréal’ Skinbetter Science dermatological beauty brand and formulated with L’Oréal’s CORExtract) or a placebo.

“Following 12 weeks of use, a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract and its natural cofactors led to significant mean visible improvements compared to placebo in skin dullness, roughness/texture, erythema and pore size, and was well tolerated,” the researchers from Dermatology Consulting Services, L’Oréal Research and Innovationand Skinbetter Science wrote.

They attributed these effects to the supplement’s ability to reduce glycative stress, a process in which sugars bind to proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that damage collagen and other skin structures.

Butyrate supplement may offer muscle-protective effects for post-menopausal women

Twelve weeks of supplementation with sodium butyrate in post-menopausal women was found to improve muscle performance, handgrip strength and physical function by supporting gut barrier repair and reducing inflammation.

The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, showed that butyrate reduced biomarkers of intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation, which are linked to muscle loss and weakness in post-menopausal women.

“Butyrate protects skeletal muscle through two primary mechanisms,” wrote researchers from the University of Sharjah in the UAE.

“First, by strengthening the gut barrier and reducing systemic inflammation and bacterial leakage, butyrate creates a more favorable internal environment for optimal skeletal muscle function. Second, it directly benefits muscle tissue by boosting mitochondrial energy production, stimulating muscle regeneration, inhibiting muscle breakdown, enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving aerobic capacity through reduced oxidative stress. These combined effects contribute to increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance.”

Examining the effect of vaginal probiotics on post-menopausal fecal microbiota

Researchers from the University of Bologna, Italy examined how fermented soy beverages containing probiotic vaginal lactobacilli affect the gut microbiota of post‑menopausal women, a group known to be more vulnerable to microbial imbalance.

Using a fecal batch culture model, they tested soy beverages fermented with Lactobacillus crispatus BC4 and Lactobacillus gasseri BC9, either encapsulated or non‑encapsulated, after simulated human digestion. The study focused on changes in gut microbial composition and metabolic activity, including pH, gas production, and short‑chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which are key indicators of gut health.

Results showed strong inter‑individual variability among the three post‑menopausal donors, but several consistent trends emerged. Some probiotic formulations increased beneficial bacterial groups, such as Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Akkermansia, depending on the donor and formulation used. Encapsulated probiotics, particularly encapsulated BC4 and BC9 used alone or together, tended to have a greater impact on gut microbial composition and metabolic activity than non‑encapsulated forms.

The study also found that several probiotic formulations significantly increased the production of short‑chain fatty acids, especially acetate, propionate and butyrate, which play important roles in gut barrier integrity, metabolism and immune regulation. The researchers emphasized that human intervention studies are needed to very these preliminary results and confirm health benefits.

Study explores nutrition and chemosensory changes during menopause

Research from Atlantic Technological University highlighted how menopause alters taste and smell perception—sensory shifts that are often compounded by symptoms like sleep disturbance and weight gain, can complicate nutrition care and impact identity.

The qualitative study drew from online focus groups with 40 midlife women in Ireland who reported diverse chemosensory changes, including reduced taste intensity, heightened sensitivity to smells, exaggerated sweetness and new food aversions or preferences.

Altered appetite and eating patterns were also common. Many women described increased snacking, sugar and salt cravings, reduced satiety and weight gain, which in turn affected body image, confidence and willingness to eat socially. Food enjoyment was frequently reframed from pleasure to necessity.

Women described a range of coping strategies, including hormone replacement therapy, dietary adjustments, mindful eating and seeking peer or professional support. Receiving a clear menopause diagnosis was seen as critical for validation and access to care.

“The study illustrates that menopause is characterized by a complex interaction of sensory, physiological and emotional changes,” the researchers wrote in the journal Nutrients. “These findings demonstrate significant individual variation in how women experience and cope with these changes. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms driving these changes and explore strategies to support women across different life stages.”