Menopause symptoms drive product sales

Menopause brings symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and mood changes. These symptoms have led to a wide range of over-the-counter products claiming to help, but their effectiveness and safety are often unclear.

Medical expert highlights limited options

Sandrine Pérol, a gynecologist at Cochin-Port Royal Hospital in Paris, says only hyaluronic acid-based ovules and hydrating gels are effective for vaginal dryness. Other products do not maintain vaginal tissue elasticity, she notes.

Effectiveness of hot flash treatments is unproven

Products for hot flashes and night sweats, like Abufène (beta-alanine) and plant-based supplements, lack scientific proof of effectiveness. Abufène was removed from reimbursement in 2011 due to insufficient medical benefit. Supplements often rely on small studies without proper placebo controls, making it hard to confirm their real benefits.

Plant estrogens carry risks for some

Women who cannot use menopause hormone therapy should avoid products with plant estrogens like isoflavones, which come from soy, hops, and other plants. Black cohosh, a popular supplement, has uncertain effects and may act like estrogen or not.

Supplements often make vague claims

Products labeled as promoting "well-being" often rely on vague claims about vitamins or minerals. Vitamin D is recommended for bone health, but proper dosage is important. Other advice includes reducing fat and sugar, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and increasing calcium intake to 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily.

Review of specific menopause products

Abufène Bouchara-Recordati contains beta-alanine but has no proven effect. It is safe except for those allergic to wheat starch. Cimicifuga Arkogélules Arkopharma uses black cohosh but lacks clear information on its extraction and hormone content. Manhaé Ménopause Vitavea includes vitamins and oils but offers no significant benefits. Phytosoya Ménopause Arkofemina Arkopharma contains soy isoflavones, which may be risky for those with breast cancer or on blood thinners. Sérélys Meno has pollen extracts and vitamin E, but its high cost and reliance on the placebo effect make it a questionable choice. Elerté includes spirulina and various vitamins, but some dosages exceed recommended levels, raising safety concerns.