Dietary Supplement
Daily Supplement

Red Clover for Hot Flashes

Plant-based supplements with SERM-like effects that may reduce hot flashes and night sweats. A non-hormonal method.

Last verified:

Red Clover for Hot Flashes (Daily Supplement)
Method at a Glance
EfficacyNot recommended
see details
DurationDaily supplement (ongoing)
Cost$30–$40
/monthly
Used forHot flash & night sweat relief
PrescriptionOTC
Available Products

3 products in this category

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

Supplement
EC
Caplet

Estroven Complete Multi-Symptom Relief

A rhapontic rhubarb extract supplement for menopause hot flashes and night sweats.

Red Clover for Hot Flashes
Supplement
FR
Oral Capsule

Femarelle Rejuvenate

An estrogen-free, fermented-soy supplement with SERM-like effects for menopause symptoms.

Red Clover for Hot Flashes
Supplement
PR
Oral Tablet

Promensil Red Clover Isoflavones

A red clover isoflavone supplement marketed for menopause hot flashes. Evidence is mixed.

Red Clover for Hot Flashes
The details

What the evidence says

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

How well it works
Not recommended

Not recommended by the Menopause Society.

How was this measured?▾

80.7% of participants in an open-label observational study reported hot flashes were "better" or "much better" within 4 weeks, but there was no placebo control, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out. Because the evidence is uncontrolled, no single headline efficacy number is used.

Source studySánchez-Borrego R et al. 2015, POMMSIS observational study of DT56a (Femarelle) for menopause symptoms (PMID 26455645)
Why we rate it this wayNAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement
Cost & insurance
$30–$40/monthly

A one-month supply of phyto-SERM supplements typically costs about $30-$40 over the counter.

Insurance CoverageNo
Duration & reversibility
Lasts forDaily supplement (ongoing)
Reversibility
Reversible
The science
Clinical classPhyto-SERM
How it works in the body

Phyto-SERMs are plant-derived compounds that bind to estrogen receptors in target tissues such as the brain and bones, but not in uterine or breast tissue. This tissue-selective activity may relieve hot flashes and night sweats without stimulating breast or uterine tissues.

Regulatory status
StatusDietary Supplement
Used forHot flash & night sweat relief
PrescriptionOTC
Side effects
  • Mild headache
  • Transient nausea
Who shouldn't use this
  • •Severe soy allergy(An allergy to soy)
  • •Concomitant use of prescription SERMs or hormone therapies (requires doctor consultation)(Combining estrogen-like medicines may change effects)
Clinical Guidelines
NAMS

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

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Red Clover for Hot Flashes

What it is

Phyto-SERMs are plant-derived compounds that bind to estrogen receptors in some tissues (brain, bones) but not others (breast, uterus). This tissue-selective activity resembles prescription SERMs, but phyto-SERMs come from dietary supplement ingredients, not pharmaceutical drugs.

Research and approval status

Unlike prescription SERMs such as ospemifene, phyto-SERM supplements are sold over the counter under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). They are not FDA-approved for any specific menopause symptom. The main evidence is an open-label observational study in which 80.7% of participants reported their hot flashes were “better” or “much better” within four weeks, but there was no placebo control, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out. No large randomized controlled trials have been published.

Side effects and cautions

Because phyto-SERMs interact with estrogen receptors, they are not recommended for people with a history of estrogen-dependent cancer or those taking prescription SERMs or hormone therapy without consulting a doctor. Soy allergy is also a contraindication since many phyto-SERM products are soy-derived.