Evidence supporting the use of: Hops
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hops (Humulus lupulus) have been used traditionally for various purposes, but their application in supporting menopausal symptoms—particularly hot flashes and sleep disturbances—has gained scientific interest due to their phytoestrogenic compounds, especially 8-prenylnaringenin. This compound is considered one of the most potent phytoestrogens found in plants and is believed to exert estrogen-like effects in the body, which can be beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms related to declining estrogen levels.

Several small-scale clinical studies and randomized controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy of hops extracts in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Some studies have demonstrated a modest reduction in hot flashes and improvement in sleep quality among menopausal women taking standardized hops extracts compared to placebo. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2006 found that women using a hops extract experienced a significant decrease in the frequency of hot flashes.

However, the overall quality and size of the available studies are limited, and not all research has shown consistent benefits. While the biological plausibility and preliminary clinical results are promising, more robust, large-scale studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. For these reasons, the scientific evidence supporting hops for menopause is rated as moderate but not strong (2 out of 5), reflecting some validation but insufficient consensus for unequivocal clinical recommendation.

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