Goals ›

Women's hormones

The menstrual cycle, hormone balance and women's health.

Strongest evidence: Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids and Fish oil.

Supplements for women's hormones

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest women's hormones benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials
SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied
IronHb/ferritin ↑, anemia↓, +0.7 g/dL HbStrong1 of 4
Omega-3 fatty acidsBigger babies, longer gestation, Affects preterm riskStrong1 of 4
Fish oilDHA/omega-3 blood status, Preterm birth + growthStrong1 of 4
IodineTSH↑,Tg↓, Goiter↓,volume↓44%Strong2 of 4
Vitamin B9Pregnancy support: NTD/birthweight↓, Counseling: folate use↑ +26.5ppStrong1 of 4
Vitamin DMaternal+cord 25OHD, ↑24.6 nmol/L; +48ppStrong1 of 4
Folic AcidKnowledge+uptake +26.5pp, Defects −47% / −36%Strong1 of 4
CalciumHypertensive risk ↓, BP↓, Birth/preterm benefits, +240gStrong2 of 4
SeleniumSe status ↑, pregnancy outcomes, ~20% lower complicationsStrong2 of 4
Soy IsoflavonesHot flashes/symptoms −40–61%, Estrogen metabolism +31% ratioStrong2 of 4
Showing 10 of 71 supplements.

What women's hormones covers

4 benefits that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Women's health

Health concerns specific to women, including the menstrual cycle, menopause, bone loss after menopause and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. What is measured depends on which of those is being studied.

2 supplements, 0 strong
  1. Soy IsoflavonesModerate, 6
  2. Indole-3-CarbinolModerate, 4

Hormone balance

The levels of hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, thyroid hormones and cortisol, and whether they sit in the normal range. It is measured directly in blood or saliva.

49 supplements, 7 strong
  1. IodineStrong, 224
  2. Soy IsoflavonesStrong, 41
  3. InositolStrong, 30
  4. SeleniumStrong, 25
  5. Black CohoshStrong, 17

Menstrual comfort

Period pain and the symptoms around a period, including cramps, bloating and mood. It is measured by rated pain, by how many days symptoms last, and by painkillers still needed.

16 supplements, 1 strong
  1. InositolStrong, 14
  2. GingerModerate, 10
  3. FennelModerate, 4
  4. LicoriceModerate, 4
  5. Pueraria MirificaModerate, 4

Pregnancy support

The health of a pregnancy, for the pregnant person and for the baby. It is measured by nutrient levels, by birth weight and gestational age, and by complication rates.

20 supplements, 15 strong
  1. IronStrong, 284
  2. Omega-3 fatty acidsStrong, 262
  3. Fish oilStrong, 252
  4. Vitamin B9Strong, 178
  5. Vitamin DStrong, 160

Protocols for women's hormones

What studies used, for this goal or for a group of people. Not advice: talk to a doctor first.