Red clover is sometimes promoted as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for relieving menopausal symptoms. There is limited evidence on its efficacy and safety for this use.
Key Points
- Red clover contains phytoestrogens, plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity. It's unclear if phytoestrogens act the same as estrogen produced by the body.
- Small studies show mixed results on whether red clover extracts help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Larger, more robust studies are needed.
- Red clover may not be as effective as standard HRT with estrogen and progestin. HRT is considered the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
- Short-term use of red clover extracts is likely safe for most people. However, long-term safety is unknown. Estrogen can stimulate growth of certain types of cancers.
- People with a history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancers should avoid phytoestrogen supplements like red clover without medical supervision.
- Interactions with other herbs, supplements, and medications are possible. Those on anticoagulant or estrogen therapy should avoid red clover due to increased bleeding or hormone stimulation risk.
What the Research Says
Several small studies have been conducted on red clover for menopausal symptoms:
- A review of 5 trials found red clover extracts reduced frequency of hot flashes more than placebo. But the reduction was less than for hormone therapy.
- Another review found equivocal evidence that red clover alleviates hot flashes. Methodological flaws and small samples were common issues.
- Two additional pilot studies on red clover for hot flashes had mixed results. One found no difference from placebo while the other found a reduction in symptom frequency.
- A one-year trial found red clover extracts improved bone mineral density similarly to HRT in one area of the body. Effects on other areas were less clear.
So while some small studies show modest effects for red clover for hot flashes, the efficacy evidence overall is inconsistent and limited by poor study quality and small samples. There is currently insufficient evidence that it works as well as hormone therapy.
Safety Considerations
Little research has evaluated the long-term safety of red clover. Possible concerns include:
- Estrogenic effect over many years may carry similar risks as estrogen therapy like endometrial cancer and breast cancer. However, this risk is theoretical and unconfirmed.
- May increase risk of bleeding problems, especially when taken with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelets.
So while short term use is likely low risk, safety with sustained use for years is unknown. Those with estrogen-sensitive cancers or on blood thinners should exercise caution with red clover supplements.
In summary, while red clover shows hints it may help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, current evidence does not demonstrate it works as well as standard HRT. More research on both effectiveness and long-term safety of red clover extracts is still needed. Anyone considering red clover supplements should first discuss options with their healthcare provider.
