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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Menopause occurs when a person stops menstruating. It may lead to the development of several symptoms, including weight gain. Weight loss supplements are available for people experiencing menopause, but they may be unsafe. Share on Pinterest A quick look at 5 of the best menopause supplements for weight lossBest for controlling appetite Life Extension Advanced Appetite SuppressBest for vegans HUM Counter CravingsBest for a probiotic supplement Align Probiotic Supplement 24 7 Digestive SupportBest for relieving hot flashes and night sweats HUM Fan ClubBest for a 2-month supply Smoky Mountain Nutrition DIM 200mg with BioPerineThis article explains why weight gain may occur during menopause and how supplements may help people control their weight if needed. It also explores some supplements available for purchase and strategies a person may wish to follow to manage hormonal weight gain. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Why can menopause lead to weight gain The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) explains that many females gain about 5 pounds (lb) after menopause. It suggests that decreased estrogen levels may play a role in postmenopausal weight gain. Reduced estrogen levels Estrogen is the hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and aids in the development of the breasts. It also affects the skin, pelvic muscles, and other areas of the body. After menopause, the ovaries produce very little estrogen. The OWH mentions some health issues that may develop due to low estrogen levels, including:Stroke: Females’ stroke risk doubles every decade after the age of 55. Low estrogen levels may contribute to this risk by causing cholesterol to accumulate on the walls of arteries leading to the brain.Urinary incontinence: This can occur postmenopause as the urethra weakens, causing some people to have difficulty holding in their urine.Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to weaken. It can occur after menopause as the body starts losing bone mass quickly.Oral issues: Some people may develop dry mouth and cavities in the years after menopause. Learn more about estrogen levels and weight gain here. Other factors Other factors can also lead to unintentional weight gain after menopause, such as:agingreceiving chemotherapyreduced physical activitya family history of obesityantidepressant medications Learn more about healthy ways to lose weight if needed here. Can supplements help There is no high quality evidence that weight loss supplements work in people with or without menopause symptoms. Precautions and safety concerns 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. These companies often claim their products remedy weight gain, hair loss, or signs of aging. However, they may be harmful to a person’s health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that these products regularly claim to reduce appetite and body fat and increase metabolism without clear evidence. It also states that weight loss supplements are expensive, and some of their ingredients can interact with certain medications a person may be taking. The NIH lists some common ingredients in dietary supplements for weight loss, such as: Chromium: The body needs this mineral regulate blood sugar levels. A 2019 review of the research on the effects of chromium supplements in people with obesity showed a 1.65-lb reduction in weight and a 0.68% reduction in body fat percentage.Caffeine: A 2015 study suggests there may be a link between caffeine use and greater vasomotor symptom bother in postmenopausal women. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, and heart palpitations.Green tea extract: Research suggests there may be a link between green tea extract and acute liver injury. Symptoms include nausea and stomach pain. It may also reduce the effectiveness of nadolol, a drug people take for high blood pressure. 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 suggest that those who use these products may be nearly three times more likely to need hospitalization or emergency care than those taking vitamin supplements. Another recent study explains that there is not enough evidence to support the efficacy of weight loss supplements. 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. A person should also check the scientific evidence available before buying a dietary supplement. How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:Price: Products suit a range of budgets.Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly and outline their manufacturing processes.Safety: Products contain ingredients deemed safe for ingestion.Reputation: Products come from businesses that adhere to industry best practices. Menopause supplements for weight loss Below are some menopause supplements that may help with weight loss. 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. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for controlling appetite Life Extension Advanced Appetite SuppressPrice: $28.50Advantage: suitable for vegetariansDisadvantage: mixed reviews regarding its effectiveness These 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. They do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are gluten-free. They are also suitable for people who follow a vegetarian diet. The company recommends that people eat healthy foods and exercise regularly while taking these supplements. It suggests people take 1 capsule twice per day before meals. This product may best suit individuals who would like to control their appetite. It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, and each bottle contains 60 capsules.SHOP NOW Best for vegans HUM Counter CravingsPrice: $50Advantage: suitable for vegans and gluten-freeDisadvantage: more expensive than many competitors The ingredients in Counter Cravings supplements include chromium, forskolin, and fucoxanthin. According to the manufacturer, 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. It may best suit vegans and individuals who want to reduce food cravings. The company recommends taking 1 capsule twice per day with food. One bottle contains 60 capsules or a month’s supply.SHOP NOW Best for a probiotic supplement Align Probiotic Supplement 24 7 Digestive SupportPrice: $22.99Advantage: suitable for vegetarians Disadvantage: each container only holds a 2-week supply This supplement contains a probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium, a species of bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract. Other ingredients include gellan gum, magnesium stearate, and sucrose. The product is gluten- and soy-free and suitable for people following a vegetarian diet. It also claims to reduce abdominal discomfort and bloating and support the digestive system. Abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms people experience during and after menopause. This product may be suitable for individuals who do not want to take a daily supplement. Each container includes 14 capsules.SHOP NOW Best for relieving hot flashes and night sweats HUM Fan ClubPrice: $40Advantage: probiotics may help reduce stress, muscle pain, hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal drynessDisadvantage: more expensive than many competitors This product contains Siberian rhubarb extract, Lactobacillus plantarum, and grapeseed extract. The company states that it may relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It may also reduce muscle discomfort and stress levels. According to the University of Chicago Medicine, menopause can cause irritability, mood shifts, and depression. Some people may also feel stressed, which can lead to worsening symptoms during menopause. Activities such as physical exercise or yoga may help people manage their stress levels. This product may be most suitable for people with a variety of menopause symptoms. Each container includes 30 capsules, and a person can take 1 supplement daily with food.SHOP NOW Best for a 2-month supply Smoky Mountain Nutrition DIM 200mg with BioPerinePrice: $19.95Advantage: low price for a 2-month supplyDisadvantage: some user reviews mention nausea and headaches This product contains diindolylmethane, which the company suggests can help manage excess estrogen during menopause. It also claims this supplement may help reduce weight gain, hot flashes, hormonal acne, bloating, low energy levels, and breast tenderness. The supplement is suitable for vegans, non-GMO, and free from hormones, gluten, dairy, soy, and major allergens. It may suit individuals who want a hormone-free solution at an affordable price. Each container contains 60 capsules, and a person takes 1 a day. Therefore, one container provides a 2-month supply. SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares the supplements in this article.PriceBottle count in capsulesDaily dosageSuitable for vegetarians and vegansLife Extension Advanced Appetite Suppress$28.50602 per dayvegetariansHUM Counter Cravings$50602 per daybothAlign Probiotic Supplement 24/7 Digestive Support$22.9914as neededvegetariansHUM Fan Club$40301 per daybothSmoky Mountain DIM with BioPerine$19.95601 per dayboth How to choose A person may wish to consider some of the following factors when looking to purchase a menopause supplement for weight loss:Price: A person may buy these supplements regularly, meaning that budget may be a large consideration.Ingredients: A person may wish to consider the ingredients a formula uses. This is particularly true for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or require gluten- or soy-free products.Side effects: A person may wish to check the customer reviews of a product before purchasing to see if any users report experiencing side effects. How to manage hormonal weight gain Some strategies that may help individuals manage hormonal weight gain include:Following a healthy diet: The University of Chicago Medicine recommends people control their portion sizes and avoid eating processed foods. A 2020 study also found that a Mediterranean diet can help people going through menopause lose fat and maintain muscle mass. This also reduces their chances of heart disease. Consuming soy-derived products: A 2020 review notes that isoflavones may promote bone health and help prevent osteoporosis after menopause. Isoflavones are mainly present in legumes such as soy, white and red clover, alfalfa, and beans.Exercising regularly: A 2016 study suggests that engaging in resistance training after menopause can lead to improvements in muscular strength and body fat percentage. When to contact a doctor Unintentional weight gain is a common symptom of menopause. A person can manage this with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If a person has not exercised for some time or has a preexisting medical condition, they may wish to consider consulting a healthcare professional to work out an exercise regime suitable for their circumstances. Frequently asked questions Here we answer common questions about supplements for weight gain associated with menopause. What supplement helps with perimenopausal weight gain There is no clear evidence that supplements can help a person avoid weight gain during perimenopause. What is the average weight gain during menopause On average, women gain 5 lb of weight after menopause. How can I lose menopause weight fast The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people are more likely to keep weight off if they lose it slowly and gradually. It recommends losing a maximum of 1—2 lb per week. People can lose weight by reducing the number of calories they consume and exercising regularly. Summary People commonly experience weight gain during menopause. Some also experience 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 a weight loss supplement. Some can cause side effects that may worsen menopause symptoms. Last medically reviewed on September 26, 2022Uncategorized 16 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Batsis, J. A., et al. (2021). A systematic review of dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight loss.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.23110Christmas, M. (2021). Managing menopause: Tips to help with weight gain, sex, hair loss and more.https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/menopause-weight-gain-sex-hair-lossCraig, B. M., et al. (2016). Examining the value of menopausal symptom relief among U.S. women [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27021749/Dietary supplements for weight loss [Fact sheet]. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-Consumer/Faubion S. S., et al. (2015). Caffeine and menopausal symptoms: What is the association? [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25051286/Gómez-Zorita, S., et al. (2020). Scientific evidence supporting the beneficial effects of isoflavones on human health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766685/Green tea. Liver tox: Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury. (2020).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547925/Lombardo, M., et al. (2020). Losing weight after menopause with minimal aerobic training and Mediterranean diet.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468767/Losing weight. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/Menopause. (2019).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/menopauseMenopause and weight gain. (2018).https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause-and-weight-gainMenopause and your health. (2021).https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-your-healthMisaka, S., et al. (2020). Effects of single green tea ingestion on pharmacokinetics of nadolol in healthy volunteers.https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.14315Nunes, P. R. P., et al. (2016). Effect of resistance training on muscular strength and indicators of abdominal adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal women: Controlled and randomized clinical trial of efficacy of training volume [Abstract].https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-016-9901-6Or, F., et al. (2019). Taking stock of dietary supplements' harmful effects on children, adolescents, and young adults [Abstract].https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(19)30163-6/fulltext#relatedArticlesTsang, C., et al. (2019). A meta-analysis of the effect of chromium supplementation on anthropometric indices of subjects with overweight or obesity [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31115179/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN — By Kristina Iavarone and Suzy Davenport — Updated on September 26, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTime-restricted eating vs. HIIT: Which achieves greater fat reduction for obesity? 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