Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, is clinically defined as the time when a person’s estrogen levels drop and they stop menstruating. The age of menopause typically varies from 40 to 58 years of age, although people in the United States usually go through menopause around age 52. This transition, however, is not sudden; it's a gradual process known as perimenopause, averaging about 4 years. During this time, a person’s periods may change in regularity, duration, and heaviness. Menopause is reached when a person has not menstruated for 12 months.
Many women experience a range of symptoms during this period, including hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, vaginal dryness, loss of bone density, and increase in cholesterol levels. It is unclear exactly how many people experience symptoms. According to an older 2005 review of studies, roughly two-thirds of women have menopausal symptoms during perimenopause, while some newer research estimates that over 80% of women experience symptoms during this transition. Seeking relief, a significant number of women, up to 90%, consult healthcare professionals about managing these symptoms. The quest for solutions has led many to explore natural supplements, with Bonafide Relizen emerging as a popular, hormone-free option.
This article delves into the ingredients of Relizen, examining their potential effects on menopausal symptoms, particularly in relation to weight management. We will explore the scientific evidence supporting these ingredients, potential side effects, and compare Relizen to other menopause supplements available in the market.
Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms
Menopause is characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, leading to a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of bone density
- Increase in cholesterol levels
These symptoms can vary widely in intensity and duration, with some women experiencing mild discomfort while others face significant challenges. Given the potential impact on well-being, many women seek ways to alleviate these symptoms.
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The Appeal of Natural Supplements
With concerns surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including potential risks of cancer, blood clots, and gallbladder disease, many women are turning to natural supplements for relief from menopause symptoms. The demand for hormone-free solutions keeps increasing as women look for safe products that help with hot flashes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep. Bonafide Relizen is one of those products.
Bonafide Relizen: A Closer Look
Bonafide Relizen is marketed as a safe, hormone-free supplement designed to ease hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. It is made with a proprietary Swedish flower pollen blend and does not contain hormones, soy, gluten, or GMOs. To determine its effectiveness, let's examine its key ingredients:
Swedish Flower Pollen Extract
The Swedish flower pollen extract is marketed as the star of this product. The idea is that it works as an “internal thermostat,” helping the body regulate temperature without affecting hormones. This extract is purported to act as an "internal thermostat," aiding the body in regulating temperature without hormonal influence. However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. A systematic review in the Menopause Journal looking at pollen extracts for menopause relief. While some studies suggested improvements in hot flashes and irritability, most were small, industry-funded, and not widely replicated. This raises concerns about bias and reliability. This ingredient is more experimental than established.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress, which increases during menopause. Some studies suggest it may alleviate hot flashes by protecting cells, but its effects are modest compared to other more targeted treatments. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant known for protecting cells from oxidative damage, a process that often increases as estrogen levels decline during menopause. A clinical trial published in the Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation journal followed postmenopausal women who took 400 IU of Vitamin E daily. Researchers found that Vitamin E reduced both the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to a placebo. While the results were not as dramatic as hormone replacement therapy, they were still significant enough to show a measurable impact [1]. This makes Vitamin E one of the few proven supportive ingredients in Relizen’s blend.
Inactive Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Isomalt, Magnesium Stearate, Polysorbate 80, and HPMC
- Maltodextrin and Isomalt: These are sweeteners and bulking agents. They are not active ingredients that target menopause symptoms. Research from Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition shows that maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, meaning it can spike blood sugar quickly. For women in menopause who already face a higher risk of weight gain and blood sugar issues, this is a drawback.
- Magnesium Stearate: This is a flow agent used in dietary supplements to keep ingredients from sticking to machines during production. The European Food Safety Authority has reviewed magnesium stearate and found it safe in small amounts, but it provides no added value for women seeking relief from hot flashes or night sweats.
- Polysorbate 80 and HPMC: These two are stabilizers and coating agents used to keep tablets intact. Polysorbate has been linked to mild digestive irritation in some studies, and HPMC is primarily a delivery aid. A study in Pharmaceutical Research highlighted that polysorbates are widely used but not active for health outcomes. That makes their inclusion here a matter of formulation design, not actual menopause support.
Relizen and Weight Management
One of the concerns many women have during menopause is weight gain. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to a slower metabolism and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. While Relizen is not specifically marketed as a weight loss supplement, it's important to consider how its ingredients might indirectly affect weight management.
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The presence of maltodextrin, a high glycemic index sweetener, may be a concern for women trying to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. High glycemic index foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, potentially leading to increased fat storage.
User Experiences and Reviews
Bonafide Relizen has received a wide mix of feedback. Some women noticed a slight reduction in hot flashes and night sweats after consistent use, while others reported little to no improvement. A few also mentioned side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, or digestive upset. At the time of this review, Bonafide Relizen is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on more than 1,500 global ratings. Some women report noticeable relief from hot flashes and night sweats, while others share that they experienced little to no improvement. For example, one user shared:
- "I didn’t think that these would work, honestly. I lost hope cause my hot flashes and night sweats were HORRIBLE, and I wanted to use something to help that’s more natural. I must say, after using these pills twice daily for 28 days, I saw a difference. I am so pleased and relieved."
Conversely, another user reported:
- "I read all the reviews and decided to give this product a try, since some said after 1 bottle, others said 2, well I am on bottle #3 with 3 days left worth of pills and the sweats are unbearable. Nothing has changed; it may have worked for some, but not for me. I am going crazy."
These mixed reviews highlight the variability in individual responses to Relizen.
Potential Side Effects
That said, some users have reported side effects while taking Relizen. Reviews mention experiences of anxiety, dizziness, digestive upset, and even feelings of hyperactivity. While the formula is considered safe for most women, it may not be the right fit for everyone.
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Comparison with Other Menopause Supplements
Looking at the ingredient lineup, we couldn’t help but notice what’s missing. We looked into top supplements specially designed for menopause relief, such as Flawless Bloom’s Menocil, and found that they include botanicals like Black Cohosh and Red Clover. In fact, a randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Caring Science found that women taking Black Cohosh experienced a significant reduction in the number of hot flashes compared to placebo. This is where Flawless Bloom’s Menocil offers a more complete solution. Its formula not only includes Vitamin E, but also a blend of botanicals such as Black Cohosh, Red Clover, and Ashwagandha. These have been studied for their ability to reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support sleep quality. In fact, a review published in the Journal of Women’s Health showed Black Cohosh significantly reduced the number of daily hot flashes compared to a placebo.
Other supplements a person may use, alongside their effectiveness and any potential side effects include:
Black Cohosh
Native Americans have used this plant to treat conditions such as fever, cough, and irregular menstruation. European settlers also used black cohosh to support female reproductive health. More recently, people may use black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irritability. However, there is no evidence to suggest that black cohosh has an effect on hormone levels in the body, including estradiol. A research review from 2020 suggests that black cohosh may be effective for relieving menopausal symptoms, either alone or in combination with other herbs.
Side effects and safety
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that black cohosh does not appear to interact with any medications. However, people should always ask a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to make sure it is safe to use with other medications. It is important to note that, as the FDA does not regulate black cohosh, so it is difficult to know which ingredients a manufacturer uses for their product. Some products may have adulterants, which means manufacturers may substitute black cohosh for similar synthetic ingredients. Side effects from taking black cohosh may include uterine bleeding, breast pain, and musculoskeletal pain and discomfort.
Calcium and Vitamin D
During menopause, a person’s bone density may decline, leading to osteoporosis. Not having enough calcium and vitamin D is a risk factor for this condition. The 2015 Women’s Health Initiative Trial investigated the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplements on menopausal symptoms. The researchers found no difference in symptoms between the group that took supplements and the group that did not. Sleep disturbances, energy levels, and emotional well-being were similar between the two groups, leading the researchers to conclude that calcium and vitamin D supplements are unlikely to affect symptoms of menopause. Research shows that a vitamin D deficiency could affect mood and sleep quality. Given that research estimates 50% to 80% of people going through menopause are deficient in vitamin D, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough either through supplements or sun exposure.
Side effects and safety
Adult females should aim to ingest 1,000 mg of calcium per day if they are 50 years of age or under, and 1,200 mg if they are over 50. Taking too many vitamin D supplements can lead to hypercalcemia.
Red Clover
Red clover is a legume that contains isoflavones, compounds that are similar to the hormone estrogen. People traditionally used red clover as a treatment for conditions such as asthma, whooping cough, and cancer. In recent times, people have used this supplement for menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. However, the NCCIH states that all studies investigating the effects of red clover on menopausal symptoms and bone density in menopausal females have had inconsistent results. There is not enough evidence to suggest red clover can effectively relieve symptoms of menopause.
Side effects and safety
Anticoagulants: Red clover may increase the effects of these medications. However, more clinical research is needed. Red clover may increase the toxicity of methotrexate, leading to severe vomiting and stomach pain.
Soy Supplements
Soy supplements commonly consist of soy protein, isoflavones, or a combination. People may use soy supplements to manage menopausal symptoms, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and to improve bone health and memory. An older 2015 review of studies found that soy isoflavones can reduce the severity of hot flashes. However, the authors note that it took an average of 13.4 weeks for people to notice the effect of the soy isoflavones in comparison with 3.09 weeks when using estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The NCCIH states that soy isoflavone mixtures may have a beneficial effect on bone health during menopause. However, the evidence is inconsistent.
Side effects and safety
People who are allergic to soy should not use soy supplements or ingest food or beverages that contain soy. The NCCIH states that short-term use of soy protein and isoflavone supplements is safe. However, not enough research has been done on long-term use to verify its safety. The most common side effect of ingesting soy is digestive upset. People may experience symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another herbal supplement that people may use to relieve menopausal symptoms. An older 2016 systematic review notes that many studies investigating the effectiveness of ginseng on symptoms of menopause are at a high risk of bias. A 2022 review also found ginseng to be helpful for reducing hot flashes and improving overall quality of life scores, though it pointed out the studies are small and more high quality research is necessary. There is also no research to support gensing’s ability to affect a person’s hormones.
Side effects and safety
Short-term oral use of ginseng for up to 6 months is usually safe for most people. However, experts may not recommend the use of ginseng in infants, children, and those who are pregnant or nursing. Some side effects of ginseng include breast pain, changes in menstruation, increase in heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headache, and loss of appetite.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a traditional European herbal remedy for various conditions, including depression and menopause symptoms. Older research found that St. John’s wort supplements affected hot flashes. Another small 2019 study found 80 postmenopausal women showed a reduction in hot flashes after taking between 270 mg and 300 mg of St. John’s wort 3 times a day for 2 months. However, the NCCIH states that there have not been enough studies to know whether St. John’s wort is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Side effects and safety
St. John’s wort can interact with various medications, causing them to be less effective. This supplement can cause the following side effects: sensitivity to sunlight, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Regulatory Considerations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements before they hit the market in the United States. So it’s worth researching a supplement company before buying and using its products. Bonafide says it’s committed to high quality products. The company indicates that it uses an ISO-17025 certified laboratory for its testing. It also states that it uses ingredients that are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. Bonafide supplements are evaluated by the National Sanitation Foundation, a rigorous third-party testing measure that requires ongoing evaluation and compliance to maintain certification. It also claims that its products are USP certified.
Lifestyle Approaches and Medical Interventions
While supplements like Relizen may offer some relief for menopause symptoms, it's important to consider other lifestyle approaches and medical interventions. Following a nutritious, well-balanced diet can help reduce menopause symptoms. To help make sure you’re getting proper nutrients, you may also want to consider taking a multivitamin if you’re over age 50. There are a number of nonmedical interventions that may help with menopause discomfort, such as yoga, meditation, hypnosis, and CBT, though there’s not much research supporting their use. For severe symptoms of hot flashes, mood changes, or vaginal dryness, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended.
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