In a 2016 study of gingko biloba supplements bought in London, 33 out of 35 showed evidence of adulteration or extract levels which were too high or low; when a UCL and BBC team looked at 70 milk-thistle, evening primrose and gingko supplements, 36% of the milk thistle products contained no milk thistle and 27% of the gingko supplements contained no gingko.
We've had many questions about milk thistle over the years. And I wrote a blog highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their use, especially in those with thyroid issues:
But if 36% contained no milk thistle at all, maybe I should not have been so concerned.
helvella - Milk Thistle, Silymarin & Silychristin
Some information and cautions regarding the use of Milk Thistle and its derivatives, especially in those with thyroid issues.
Just to reassure, I do not think this is saying all supplements are bad/ineffective, nor that properly considered HRT is bad.
But these supplements are a massive money spinning enterprise. Even if they worked.
The big menopause swizz: do hormone supplements really work?
The global market for menopause products is worth £16.93bn, the majority of that spent on dietary supplements – but is there any evidence they do anything?
helvella The only menopause supplement that Zoe talks about positively is an isoflavone called genistein. Seem to be lots of benefits, but like anything not completely risk-free.
They try to keep out of debates about HRT, but do list many health risks that HRT can help with. The one thing that they are very clear on is that the transdermal HRT normally used in the UK is preferable to the oral HRT often still used in the USA. Also, that it is better to not leave it late before starting HRT. Obviously, one to discuss with doctors.
'Just to reassure, I do not think this is saying all supplements are bad/ineffective'
This is something that I've wondered about many, many times. Not just menopause supps, but the whole supplement market. Which is absolutely massive and growing by the day.
For things we can effectively measure levels of through blood testing, such as vitamins and minerals, we theoretically have a way to know if what we've paid for is what we're getting. But for so many of the other gazillion supplements now being marketed, it's really impossible to know whether any effect you think you have from taking them is genuine, or placebo effect. And if you notice no effect at all, is that because the product itself is ineffective/fake etc., or because it's 'just not working' for you.
So true. 'High Dose' seems to be stated on almost every supplement listing now. Again, a marketing ploy to make you think you're getting a better 'bang for your buck'.
So true, Omega 3 supplements being a particular example. Many are marketed as high dose or mega etc but when you look they are either the standard dose or you need to take more of them to get the high dose. So dishonest, it really behoves us to look very carefully before we buy.
I tried starflower oil capsules a long time ago to try and get some relief for my excruciating periods. But for some unknown reason the only effect it had was to make my already existing very severe depression much, much, MUCH worse.
I have only come across one woman online who had the same experience of starflower oil that I did. Frankly, for me, it was an absolute disaster - dangerously so.
I tried StJohn Wort and that was a disaster any herbal remedies don’t suit me at all. I have also tried various natural sleep remedies none have worked. At the moment I am listening to waves crashing on the ocean floor. What I wouldn’t give for a full nights sleep!😴 💤
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