Dietary Supplement
Daily Supplement

Pollen Extract

A dietary supplement made from Swedish flower pollen that may reduce hot flashes, available over the counter.

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Pollen Extract (Daily Supplement)Compare

Method at a Glance

Measured outcomeNot recommendedGuideline status: Not recommended
DurationDaily supplement (ongoing)
Cost$30–$50
/monthly
Used forHot flash & night sweat relief
How you get itDirect-to-Consumer (Physical) · No prescription
Available Products

1 product in this category

Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.

Supplement
RE
Oral Tablet

Relizen

An estrogen-free supplement made from Swedish flower pollen extract for menopause hot flashes.

Pollen Extract
The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

Outcome & guideline status

Not recommended

Guideline status: Not recommended

Winther 2005 RCT (n=64): 65% responder rate for hot flash reduction at 3 months vs 38% placebo. The trial reported a 27% reduction in diary-recorded hot flushes versus placebo at 3 months. NAMS 2023 does not recommend pollen extract due to limited evidence.

Research sourceWinther K et al. 2005, Climacteric — Femal, a herbal remedy made from pollen extracts, reduces hot flushes and improves quality of life in menopausal women (PMID 16096172)
Why we rate it this wayNAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement

Cost & insurance

$30–$50/monthly

Typically costs around $30-$50 per month

Insurance CoverageVaries

Duration & reversibility

Lasts forDaily supplement (ongoing)
Reversibility
Reversible

The science

Clinical classSwedish flower pollen extract (Secale cereale)
How it works in the body

The exact mechanism is not fully understood. Studies suggest it may affect neurochemical pathways involved in temperature regulation, but it is not FDA-approved as a drug.

Regulatory status & access

StatusDietary Supplement
Used forHot flash & night sweat relief
How you get itDirect-to-Consumer (Physical) · No prescription
PrescriptionOTC

Side effects

  • Mild gastrointestinal upset (rare)
  • Allergic reaction in people with pollen allergy

Who shouldn't use this

  • •Pollen allergy(An allergy to flower pollen)

Clinical guidelines

NAMS

2023 Position Statement - supplements/herbal remedies are Not Recommended for hot flashes and night sweats

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Pollen Extract

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. The exact mechanism is not well understood, but research suggests it may affect neurochemical pathways involved in temperature regulation.

How well it works

A 2005 randomized controlled trial by Winther et al. found a 65% responder rate for hot flash reduction at three months, compared to 38% with placebo. The evidence base is small, and the Menopause Society (NAMS 2023) does not recommend pollen extract because of limited data. 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 modest evidence. Do not take it if you have a pollen allergy. Check our provider directory for clinics near you.