Welcome to the third edition of our menopause newsletter series! In our first edition, we described common strategies to manage menopausal symptoms that arise naturally or due to cancer therapies. Our second edition further delved into the capacity of certain plant extracts to improve menopausal symptoms. In this third edition, we are excited to introduce Menofemme, our newly formulated phytotherapy product designed to support women through menopause with a science-backed, natural approach to symptom control.
Before introducing how Menofemme works for menopause, let us first explain the motivation behind its development. Currently, the first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopause hormonal therapy (MRT), which typically consists of oestrogen with or without progestin (synthetic progesterone).
While HRT is effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, it carries several side effects and contraindications (Figure 1). Side effects include breast tenderness, mood changes and water retention, among others. Women undergoing HRT may also face a slight increase in the risks of more serious cardiovascular complications, such as blood clots and stroke. Perhaps most concerning is that HRT is contraindicated for women with hormone-sensitive cancers, the same group of individuals often affected by early menopause induced by ovary-damaging cancer therapies. Such a safety profile of HRT creates a dilemma for those seeking relief from menopausal symptoms but who are unable to use hormone-based treatments.
Figure 1. Side effects and contraindications of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. Source: Aeskulap International AG.
Other recommended treatment options for menopause involve lifestyle changes (e.g., smoking cessation and exercise), behavioural interventions (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) and neurotransmitter-modulating drugs (e.g., antidepressants). However, one of the most underexplored and promising avenues is phytotherapy, the use of natural plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. As highlighted in our previous newsletter, mounting research continues to support the efficacy of certain plant extracts in alleviating menopausal symptoms.
Phytotherapy like Menofemme for menopause provides effective symptom relief with fewer side effects, making them a safer and more sustainable option for those who cannot or prefer not to use HRT. Even when used alongside HRT, Menofemme offers added antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits, which support women’s long-term health beyond menopause.
Another critical issue surrounding menopause is the lack of awareness and support in both medical and public spheres. A 2021 study found that 73% of women were not treating their menopausal symptoms, with many unaware of the available therapeutic options. Alarmingly, one-third of women had never been formally assessed or diagnosed as menopausal by a healthcare provider. These findings underscore the need for better education regarding menopausal treatments, including the untapped potential of phytotherapy approaches like Menofemme for menopause.
Menofemme for Menopause: The Evidence
In clinical research, the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention is the randomised controlled trial (RCT). RCTs minimise bias and confounding factors by randomly assigning participants to either the experimental or control group. This process ensures that any variables – such as age, lifestyle or pre-existing conditions – are evenly distributed between the groups. As a result, the observed outcomes can be confidently attributed to the intervention being tested, rather than to other underlying factors.
As discussed in the second newsletter, a 2024 meta-analysis has synthesised as many as 61 RCTs to derive a list of plant extracts that demonstrated beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms in at least one RCT. This list includes soy, red clover, flaxseed, black cohosh, ginkgo leaf, hop, maca, ginseng, evening primrose oil, liquorice, fenugreek, St John’s wort, Valerian root and many others. While the efficacies of these plant extracts vary, Menofemme for menopause has incorporated the most potent and well-researched ones in its formulation.
In Table 1, we outlined the ingredients in Menofemme, detailing their main mechanisms of action and supporting evidence from RCTs. Evidently, each ingredient is supported by at least two RCTs to validate its efficacy in improving common menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, vaginal dryness and general decrease in life quality. These symptoms largely stem from the natural decline in oestrogen levels, which pose immediate consequences on the neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine) crucial for regulating mood, sleep, cognition and body temperature. As such, the ingredients in Menofemme help modulate the body’s oestrogen and neurotransmitter levels to provide menopause symptom relief.
In the long term, however, declining oestrogen levels further impact cardiovascular health, bone density and fat distribution. While not demonstrated in RCTs, observational studies show that regular consumption of plant extracts – through diet or supplementation – is associated with reduced risks of diseases and enhanced longevity. This benefit arises because plant extracts, including those in Menofemme for menopause, are not merely oestrogenic but possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for overall health.
Note: Conducting RCTs over extended periods is often impractical: imagine randomising participants to an experiment for years. Therefore, long-term impacts of certain behaviours are usually derived from observational studies, which monitor individuals over time rather than involving experimental interventions.
Table 1. Bioactive ingredients of Menofemme for menopause and their respective evidence supporting menopause symptom relief in randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or preclinical research.
Note: Data regarding the bioactive compound(s) and main mechanism(s) of the plant extracts for menopause symptom relief are derived from Dietz et al. (2016) in Pharmacological Reviews, Kargozar et al. (2017) in Electronic Physician and Mohapatra et al. (2024) in Phytotherapy Research.
Menofemme for Menopause: Your Best Bet
Navigating menopause can be challenging, especially given the stigma and limited awareness surrounding it, but finding the right support should not be. Menofemme stands out as a trusted choice for relieving menopausal symptoms with its scientifically validated ingredients. Longitudinal studies have supported the safety profile of the plant extracts included in Menofemme for menopause. However, a few of the ingredients may interact with certain medications, so it is advisable to consult a medical professional before incorporating Menofemme – or any supplement for that matter – into your health regimen.
Menofemme is uniquely formulated with optimal doses of each ingredient to ensure maximum effectiveness without overwhelming the body. We have calibrated each dose to reflect the levels proven effective in RCTs. Menofemme for menopause also stands out in the market due to its unique blend of 10 well-researched ingredients, which act synergistically on multiple physiological processes to target a broad range of menopausal symptoms.
Beyond menopause, Menofemme also supports long-term health. For example, red clover – one of Menofemme’s key ingredients – is abundant in a type of isoflavone called biochanin A, known for its protective effects against chronic diseases (Figure 2). Laboratory experiments show that Biochanin A can terminate the cell cycle of cancer cells to prevent uncontrolled cell growth, while also suppressing several inflammatory and oxidative pathways involved in disease development. Additionally, biochanin A is a potent activator of a class of receptors (i.e., peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) vital for maintaining insulin sensitivity and preventing diabetes and obesity. Together with other well-chosen plant extracts, Menofemme offers broad antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits for overall health and vitality.
By choosing Menofemme for menopause, you are opting for a product that combines safety, optimal dosing and proven efficacy – bringing you the best of phytotherapy. Trust in a solution that prioritises not only symptom relief but also your long-term health. Join the growing community of women finding greater balance and confidence with Menofemme – a new way to embrace menopause and beyond with peace of mind.
Figure 2. Health benefits associated with biochanin A, the main type of isoflavone found in red clover. Source: Sarfraz et al. (2020), Science of the Total Environment.