What it is
Pollen extract is a dietary supplement made from Swedish flower pollen. It is sold over the counter for relief of menopause hot flashes and night sweats. A 2020 review describes it as an SSRI-like therapy and reports that preclinical studies found no estrogenic effect.
How well it works
A 2005 randomized controlled trial by Winther et al. (n=64) found that 65% of women taking pollen extract had a reduction in hot flushes over three months, compared to 38% with placebo. A 2024 meta-analysis of one RCT and four observational studies found improvement from baseline, but the result was no longer statistically significant when only controlled studies were pooled, which suggests the improvement in uncontrolled studies may reflect a placebo effect. The NAMS 2023 position statement does not recommend pollen extract, citing expert opinion and limited scientific research. It is sold as a dietary supplement under DSHEA, not as an FDA-approved drug.
Where to get it
You can buy pollen extract over the counter without a prescription. It is an option for people who want a non-prescription approach and are willing to try a supplement with limited evidence. The 2024 meta-analysis found that its use was not associated with significant adverse effects. Check our provider directory for clinics near you.
