Looking for relief from hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and any of the myriad of symptoms of menopause? If you’ve considered supplements check out this Estroven review and dive deep into one of the most popular menopause supplements!
Going through menopause can feel like riding an emotional and physical rollercoaster. Hot flashes strike at the most inconvenient times, night sweats disrupt your sleep, and mood swings can leave you feeling like someone else entirely.
I understand these challenges firsthand, which is why I’ve researched Estroven, one of the most popular menopause supplements on the market today.
Overview of Estroven
What is Estroven?
Estroven is a trademarked dietary supplement specifically formulated to address various symptoms of menopause. Unlike hormone replacement therapy, Estroven products don’t contain estrogen or synthetic hormones.
Instead, they rely on natural ingredients to help manage the effects of low estrogen that naturally occurs in menopause. The brand offers several formulations targeting specific concerns, from night sweats to weight management.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Estroven’s formulations contain several key ingredients that work together to address menopausal symptoms:
- Black cohosh: A plant native to North America that has been shown in clinical studies to reduce hot flashes and excessive heat sensations
- Soy isoflavones: Derived from soy beans, these compounds may help with estrogen receptor activity
- Rhapontic rhubarb extract: Supports hormonal balance
- CQR-300: A proprietary ingredient (extract of cissus quadrangularis) claimed to support healthy weight management and metabolic health
Research suggests that black cohosh may be particularly effective for hot flashes, while soy isoflavones could help improve both physical and psychological symptoms from low estrogen.
There’s not as much research about rhapontic rhubarb or CQR-300, but there are some that do show their benefits including:
- A studin in Menopause (2006) – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ERr 731 (rhaptonic rhubarb extract) over 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes, sleep issues, and mood disturbances.
- Obesity Research & Clinical Practice (2019) – A small study evaluated CQR-300 combined with other ingredients (including Green Tea Extract) and found it reduced body fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased leptin in overweight postmenopausal women.
What’s Inside Each Version of Estroven?
Estroven offers a range of formulations tailored to different symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Each version contains a unique blend of ingredients—including botanicals, phytoestrogens, and nutrients—designed to address specific concerns like hot flashes, sleep issues, weight management, and mood changes. Let’s look at the most popular Estroven products and their key ingredients:
1. Estroven Complete Menopause Relief
Target symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, low energy
Key Ingredient:
Rhapontic Rhubarb Root Extract (ERr 731) – A standardized extract shown in clinical studies to reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms without hormonal side effects. Works by selectively binding to estrogen receptor beta (ER-β).
(see studies above)
2. Estroven Stress Relief & Energy Boost
Target symptoms: Occasional anxiety, fatigue, irritability
Key Ingredients:
Magnolia Bark Extract – Traditionally used to reduce cortisol levels and support stress response.
Green Tea Extract (with natural caffeine) – Provides a gentle energy lift and antioxidant benefits.
Soy Isoflavones – Plant-based estrogens that help support hormonal balance.
Geared toward women struggling with mood swings and low energy levels.
3. Estroven Weight Management
Target symptoms: Midsection weight gain, fatigue, hot flashes
Key Ingredients:
Cissus Quadrangularis Extract (CQR-300) – A botanical traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support metabolism and healthy weight.
Soy Isoflavones – Help balance estrogen levels and reduce hot flashes.
Marketed for those noticing weight gain during perimenopause or menopause (see notes on studies above).
4. Estroven Sleep Cool + Calm
Target symptoms: Night sweats, difficulty sleeping, restlessness
Key Ingredients:
Melatonin (1 mg) – A natural sleep aid that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
L-Theanine – Promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
Soy Isoflavones – Supports hormonal regulation and helps reduce hot flashes.
Designed for those whose menopause symptoms are interfering with sleep.
5. Estroven Mood Boost
Target symptoms: Mood swings, occasional anxiety, irritability
Key Ingredients:
Saffron Extract – Shown in studies to improve mood and support emotional balance.
Soy Isoflavones – Provide mild estrogenic activity to ease hormone-related mood symptoms.
This blend is marketed for supporting emotional well-being.
Ingredient Consistency Across Formulas:
Most Estroven products (except the Complete formula) include soy isoflavones, a source of phytoestrogens that bind weakly to estrogen receptors and may help ease hot flashes and other symptoms. However, the Complete formula relies solely on rhapontic rhubarb and does not contain soy, making it a good choice for soy-sensitive individuals.
Effectiveness of Estroven
User Reviews and Ratings
The real test of any supplement comes from those who’ve actually tried it. According to data from Drugs.com, Estroven has an average rating of 3.9 out of 10 based on 20 reviews, with 25% reporting a positive experience and 65% reporting a negative one source.
Women who had positive experiences mentioned relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and improved serotonin balance, leading to better mood regulation. Those with negative reviews often cited a lack of desired results even after several weeks of use, or experienced side effects. Some users report side effects including: – Digestive issues – Headaches – Dizziness – Changes to menstrual cycles in perimenopausal women
Overall, many women do find relief with the Estroven Complete formula, as well as with the more targeted formulas, but just like any other supplement or treatment, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Clinical Studies and Expert Opinions
Estroven advertises its products are backed by clinical trials, but specific details about studies on the combination specifically found in Estroven aren’t readily accessible on their website. So, I haven’t had access to studies or testing information that would allow me to verify these claims.
Some formulations mention improvements on standardized assessments like the Menopause Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale, but complete study details aren’t publicly available.
There are, however, studies on the individual ingredients listed above, and many do support hot flash, night sweat, and mood improvement individually.
Comparison with Other Supplements
Estroven vs. Amberen
When comparing top-rated menopause products, Amberen is another popular option. Both supplements aim to address similar symptoms, but their approaches differ:
Overview: Amberen vs. Estroven
| Feature | Amberen | Estroven |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Proprietary blend: ammonium succinate, amino acids, minerals, vitamin E | Herbal extracts: black cohosh, soy isoflavones, rhapontic rhubarb extract |
| Hormone Content | Hormone-free, soy-free, stimulant-free | Hormone-free; some formulations contain soy |
| Target Symptoms | 12 symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, etc. | Varies by product; addresses hot flashes, night sweats, stress, sleep issues, and more |
| Dosage | 2 capsules daily | 1 caplet daily |
| Product Variants | Menopause, Perimenopause | Complete Multi-Symptom, Stress Relief & Energy Boost, Weight Management, Sleep Cool, Mood Boost |
| Price Range | Approximately $29.99 for 30-day supply | Between $10.99–$21.99 for 28–30 caplets |
Ingredient Analysis
Amberen
Composition: A proprietary blend including ammonium succinate, calcium disuccinate, magnesium disuccinate, zinc difumarate, glycine, monosodium L-glutamate, and vitamin E.
Mechanism: Claims to restore hormonal balance by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby alleviating menopause symptoms without introducing external hormones.
Clinical Evidence: Some studies suggest effectiveness in reducing menopause symptoms; however, certain research has potential conflicts of interest, as noted in a 2019 review .
Estroven
Composition: Key ingredients include black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and/or rhapontic rhubarb extract (ERr 731).
Mechanism: Utilizes phytoestrogens to mimic estrogen activity, aiming to reduce menopause symptoms.
Clinical Evidence: Ingredients like black cohosh and soy isoflavones have been studied for menopause relief, with mixed results. Rhapontic rhubarb extract has shown promise in some studies .
Safety and Side Effects
Amberen
Reported Side Effects: Some users have reported headaches, bloating, constipation, fatigue, limb pain, and nausea.
Considerations: Contains monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), which may be a concern for individuals sensitive to MSG.
Estroven
Reported Side Effects: Potential side effects include stomach upset, rash, cramping, headaches, and, in rare cases, liver issues associated with black cohosh .
Considerations: Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or liver disorders should consult healthcare providers before use.
Availability and Cost
Amberen: Available at major retailers like Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon, and Target. A 30-day supply costs approximately $29.99
Estroven: Widely available at pharmacies and online retailers. Prices range from $10.99 to $21.99, depending on the specific product variant.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Supplement | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Amberen | Hormone-free; addresses multiple symptoms; some clinical backing | Proprietary blend lacks transparency; potential side effects; contains MSG |
| Estroven | Variety of formulations targeting specific symptoms; utilizes herbal ingredients with some evidence | Mixed clinical results; potential side effects; not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions |
Other Alternatives for Menopause Relief
So, as noted above, beyond Estroven and Amberen, menopausal women have several options:
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and spicy foods can make a big difference, particularly when it comes to hot flashes. It’s best to get 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise almost every day, and 2-3 strength training sessions in per week, at least 30 minutes each. Yoga and/or Pilates can also be very helpful for core strength and flexibility.
- Dietary changes: Foods rich in phytoestrogens (like flaxseeds, non-gmo organic soy products, legumes, and other nuts and seeds) and calcium-rich foods for bone health can improve low estrogen symptoms. Choose whole, mostly organic foods, and eat high fiber (a good goal is 35 grams per day), adequate protein (at least half your body weight in ounces per day, and more if you are very active or trying to build muscle), and low processed carb foods (aiming for sweet potatoes, quinoa, fruits, and oats instead of flour based foods).
- Other supplements: For the early stages of menopause and late perimenopause I love supplement blends like FemGuard + Balance and Hormone Harmony by Happy Mammoth.
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats? FemGuard-HF is designed to help diminish mild hot flashes caused by menopause, and combines various nutritional compounds to support menopausal comfort during this transitional phase of life.*
- Clinically Studied Ingredients - Features clinically-studied phytoestrogens like non-soy-derived genistein and HMRlignan to help diminish you least favorite menopause symptoms: mild hot flashes caused by menopause. This unique formula delivers additional menopause supplements like gamma-oryzanol, vitamin E tocotrienols and taurine to support overall menopausal comfort and neurotransmitter balance.*
- Peri + Menopause Support - FemGuard-HF may also promote healthy aging, a healthy inflammatory response, healthy hormonal and neurotransmitter balance, and bone health.*
- Non-GMO - Menopause & pre menopause supplements for women made without gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs.
- Clinically-Trusted Care - DFH is the #1 practitioner supplement brand recommended by functional medicine professionals and the #1 practitioner supplement brand personally trusted by functional medicine professionals.**
$53.49
- Prescription medications: Hormone replacement therapy or non-hormonal options prescribed by a healthcare professional can be a wonderful relief for many of the frustrating symptoms of menopause. Check out this blog to learn more about the various forms of estrogen replacement.
For best results, many women find that a combination approach works better than relying solely on supplements.
It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.
Final Thoughts
Estroven, with its multiple options, offers a non-hormonal approach to managing menopausal symptoms that may help some women find relief. Its various formulations target specific concerns from vaginal dryness to daily stress and weight management challenges.
However, user experiences vary significantly, and the clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness isn’t as robust or transparent as one might hope. For informational purposes, it’s worth noting that natural supplements often work differently for each person based on their individual symptoms and body chemistry.
If you’re considering Estroven, start with realistic expectations and give it the recommended time (typically at least 28 days) to see if it works for you. Take it at the same time of day consistently for the best chance of success.
Remember that supplements should be just one part of your overall approach to managing menopause. Healthy lifestyle choices, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, and attention to your mental wellbeing are equally important for navigating this natural transition with grace.
You can also check out some of my other menopause supportive blogs that feature many of the interventions I have found to help both myself and the hundreds of women I have worked with over the years in my functional medicine practice!
Menopause and Hair Loss: What Are Your Options?
The BEST Menopause Skin Care products: Top 5 Doctor Recommended Products
DrShelley
Dr. Shelley Meyer is a board-certified family physician and Institute of Functional Medicine-certified functional medicine physician, as well as a Registered Dietitian. She is passionate about helping women navigate the roller coaster of perimenopause and postmenopause. She has her own Functional Medicine Practice in Denver, Colorado.
