5 of the best menopause supplements for weight loss

This article explains why weight gain may occur during menopause and how supplements may help people control their weight. It also explores some supplements available for purchase and strategies a person can follow to manage hormonal weight gain.

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The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) explains that many women gain about 5 pounds after menopause as their ovaries start producing less estrogen. Estrogen is the hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and aids in the development of the breasts, skin, and pelvic muscles, among others.

The OWH mentions some health conditions that may develop when the body has low estrogen levels. These include:

• Stroke: Women over 55 years have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke. The low estrogen levels may cause bad cholesterol to accumulate on the artery walls that lead to the brain.
• Urinary incontinence: This can occur post-menopause as the urethra weakens, which causes some women to have difficulty holding in their urine.
• Osteoporosis: This is a condition that causes the bones to weaken. It can occur after menopause as the body starts losing bone mass quickly.
• Oral issues: Oral issues such as dry mouth and cavities can develop in the years after menopause.

According to Better Health Channel, other factors can lead to weight gain after menopause, such as:

There is no high quality evidence that weight loss supplements work in people with or without menopause symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that some companies carry products to help people manage their menopause symptoms and market them as dietary supplements. They claim to remedy weight gain, hair loss, or signs of aging, but they may be harmful to a person’s health.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) state that these weight loss products claim to reduce appetite and body fat and increase metabolism without clear evidence. The NIH also states that weight loss supplements are expensive, and some ingredients in weight loss supplements can interact with certain medications a person may be taking.

It is best for people to ask their doctor if they want to learn more about these products, particularly if they have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

The NIH lists some common ingredients in dietary supplements for weight loss, such as:

A 2019 study states that there should be regulations requiring dietary supplements claiming to reduce weight and build muscles to provide evidence and pass safety protocols. The researchers found that those who used these products were nearly three times more likely to need hospitalization or emergency care compared with those taking vitamin supplements.

A 2021 study explains that there is not enough evidence to support the efficacy of weight loss supplements. A person should check the scientific evidence available before buying dietary supplements.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Life Extension Advanced Appetite Suppress

Price: $26.25

Life Extension’s menopause supplements contain white kidney bean extracts to help maintain the balance of gut hormones that control appetite and satiety, which may reduce the urge to snack frequently.

The product does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and is gluten-free. It is also suitable for people who follow a vegetarian diet.

The company recommends that people eat healthy foods and exercise regularly while taking these supplements. People should take 1 capsule twice per day before meals.

They come with a 100% money-back guarantee, and each bottle contains 60 capsules.

HUM Counter Cravings

Price: $50

Some of the ingredients in Counter Cravings supplements include chromium, forskolin, and fucoxanthin. This product may help reduce cravings, boost metabolism, and increase relaxation.

The product is vegan and gluten-free and does not include GMOs or artificial sweeteners.

One bottle contains 60 capsules that cover a month’s supply, as the company recommends taking 1 capsule twice per day with food.

Estroven Menopause Relief Weight Management

Price: $18.99

These menopause supplements contain black cohosh and Cissus quadrangularis to potentially reduce hot flashes and night sweats and help people maintain their weight. Other ingredients present in their formulation include gelatin, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate.

They come without hormones or preservatives, and they are free of lactose and gluten.

Each bottle has 30 capsules.

Align Probiotic Supplement 24/7 Digestive Support

Price: $21.99

Align Probiotics’ supplements contain a probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium, along with other ingredients, such as gellan gum, magnesium stearate, and sucrose.

They are gluten-free and soy-free and are suitable for people following a vegetarian diet.

They claim to reduce abdominal discomfort and bloating and support the digestive system. Abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms people experience during and after menopause.

Each container includes 14 capsules.

HUM Fan Club

Price: $40

The HUM Fan Club product contains Siberian rhubarb extract, Lactobacillus plantarum, and grapeseed extract. It is designed to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

These probiotic supplements could also reduce muscle discomfort and stress levels.

According to the University of Chicago Medicine, menopause can cause irritability, mood shifts, and depression. Some women may also feel stressed, which can lead to worsening symptoms during menopause.

That said, it is best to learn how to engage in activities that may help manage stress levels, such as physical exercise or yoga.

Each container includes 30 capsules, and a person can take 1 supplement per day with food.

Some strategies that may help individuals manage hormonal weight gain include:

• Consuming soy-derived products: A 2020 review notes that isoflavones may promote bone health and help prevent osteoporosis in women post-menopause. Vegetables and herbs containing isoflavones include red clover, alfalfa, and beans.
• Following a healthy diet: The University of Chicago Medicine recommends that people control their portion sizes and avoid eating processed foods. One 2020 study also found that a Mediterranean diet can help women going through menopause lose fat and maintain their muscle mass. This also reduces their chances of heart disease.
• Exercising regularly: A 2013 study reviewed the effects of resistance training in women post-menopause. It found that the participants who performed this type of exercise three times per week for 16 weeks experienced a reduction in their body fat and increased muscular strength.

Some women experience weight gain during menopause, and some also have hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Many supplements claim to reduce body weight or control hunger. However, there is no reliable evidence to support these claims.

It is best to talk with a doctor before taking weight loss supplements. Some can cause side effects that will worsen menopause symptoms.