At a Glance
- Best Overall Metagenics Estrovera – 4 mg of ERr 731 rhubarb extract, the plant extract with the strongest placebo-controlled trial among our picks, in a once-daily enteric-coated tablet.Review ↓
- Best Budget Soy Isoflavone Nutricost Soy Isoflavones 150 mg – 60 mg of soy isoflavones per capsule, close to the amount used in hot flash studies, at the lowest daily cost on our list.Review ↓
- Best Drugstore ERr 731 Estroven Complete – the same 4 mg dose of rhapontic rhubarb extract as Estrovera, at about half the daily cost.Review ↓
- Best for Non-Equol Producers EQUELLE S-Equol – 10 mg of S-equol, the soy compound many people can’t make on their own.Review ↓
- Best Estrogen-Free Option Remifemin – the most-studied black cohosh extract, which doesn’t act like estrogen.Review ↓
- Best Hops Extract Swanson Estro8Pn Hop Extract – 10 mg of hop extract, a source of the plant estrogen 8-PN.Review ↓
The Short Answer: No over-the-counter supplement contains real estrogen. The closest options are plant compounds that act a little like estrogen (phytoestrogens), and their effect on hot flashes is small12. If you want to try one, Metagenics Estrovera is our top pick: its ERr 731 extract cut menopause symptom scores more than placebo in a 12-week trial3. On a budget, Nutricost Soy Isoflavones gives 60 mg of isoflavones a day for very little cost.
On this page
- Do You Actually Need an Estrogen Supplement?
- Find Your Match
- What’s Actually in These Products?
- Estrogen Supplements Compared
- The 6 Best Estrogen Supplements, Reviewed
- Products We Didn’t Recommend
- Evidence Scorecard
- How to Take a Plant Estrogen Supplement
- What to Expect and When
- Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
- Food First: Where Else to Get Plant Estrogens
- How to Choose an Estrogen Supplement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
If you need actual estrogen, for example for severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness or bone protection, prescription hormone therapy is the only proven option. Talk to your doctor about it.
Many products sold as “estrogen supplements” are really DIM, which helps the body break down estrogen rather than adding to it. We cover those in our DIM supplements guide.
We compared 16 products on active ingredient, dose against research, testing, other ingredients and cost. Every product is ranked by its BFN Score, a relative score within this guide. See our review process for how we score.
Do You Actually Need an Estrogen Supplement?
Estrogen falls during perimenopause and menopause, which can bring hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness and bone loss. Plant estrogens don’t replace that estrogen; at best they slightly reduce hot flashes for some women24.
A plant-based option may make sense if you:
- Have mild to moderate hot flashes and want to try something before or instead of prescription treatment.
- Can’t or don’t want to take hormone therapy, and your doctor agrees a supplement is reasonable.
- Eat little soy and want to see whether isoflavones help.
They are unlikely to help much if your symptoms are severe, if your main problem is vaginal dryness (a low-dose vaginal estrogen works far better), or if you want to protect your bones. Hormone therapy and several non-hormonal prescription medicines have much stronger evidence1.
Who Should Skip It or Ask First
- Anyone with a history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, or other estrogen-sensitive conditions.
- People taking tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, hormone therapy or birth control.
- People taking thyroid medicine; soy can reduce levothyroxine absorption, so take them apart.
- Anyone with liver disease (especially before taking black cohosh)5.
- People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
Find Your Match
| If you… | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want the best-studied plant extract | Metagenics Estrovera | ERr 731 in the enteric-coated form used in trials |
| Want the same extract for less | Estroven Complete | Same 4 mg dose, about half the daily cost |
| Want soy isoflavones at a low cost | Nutricost Soy Isoflavones 150 mg | 60 mg isoflavones per capsule |
| Tried soy without results | EQUELLE S-Equol | Gives equol directly, no gut conversion needed |
| Want to avoid estrogen-like compounds | Remifemin | Black cohosh isn’t a phytoestrogen |
| Are allergic to soy | Metagenics Estrovera | Rhubarb-based, soy-free |
| Want a hops-based option | Swanson Estro8Pn Hop Extract | Hop extract, a source of 8-PN |
| Have had breast cancer | Talk to your oncologist first | Safety of plant estrogens isn’t established |
What’s Actually in These Products?
| Ingredient | Type | Studied dose | What trials show |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERr 731 (rhapontic rhubarb) | Plant estrogen (targets ERβ receptors) | 4 mg a day | Lower menopause symptom scores than placebo in a 12-week trial3 |
| Soy isoflavones | Plant estrogen | About 54 mg a day (aglycones) | About 20% fewer hot flashes than placebo4 |
| S-equol | Soy-derived plant estrogen | 10–20 mg a day | Fewer hot flashes in a meta-analysis6 |
| Black cohosh | Non-hormonal herb | 40 mg a day (iCR extract) | Mixed; Cochrane found too little evidence7 |
| Hops (8-PN) | Plant estrogen | 100 mcg 8-PN a day | Small early benefit in one small trial8 |
| DIM | Estrogen metabolism | — | Doesn’t raise estrogen |
Estrogen Supplements Compared
Scroll sideways to see every column →
| # | Product | Active Ingredient | Dose per Serving | Daily Serving | Servings | Purity Testing | Additives | Diet | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metagenics Estrovera | ERr 731 rhubarb root extract | 4 mg | 1 tablet | 30 | Brand says third-party tested | Clean | Vegetarian, soy-free | $$$ |
| 2 | Nutricost Soy Isoflavones | Soy germ extract | 150 mg (60 mg isoflavones) | 1 capsule | 180 | Not stated | Clean | Vegan; contains soy | $$$ |
| 3 | Estroven Complete | Rhapontic rhubarb root extract | 4 mg | 1 caplet | 28 | Not stated | Note: titanium dioxide color | Soy-free | $$$ |
| 4 | EQUELLE S-Equol | S-equol from fermented soy germ | 10 mg | 2 tablets | 30 per bottle | Not stated | Clean | Derived from soy | $$$ |
| 5 | Remifemin | Black cohosh iCR extract | 2.5 mg (= 21 mg herb) | 2 tablets | 60 | Made in Germany | Note: lactose | Contains milk | $$$ |
| 6 | Swanson Estro8Pn | Hop extract | 10 mg (8-PN not stated) | 1–2 capsules | 60–120 | Not stated | Clean | Vegetarian | $$$ |
The 6 Best Estrogen Supplements, Reviewed
#1Best Overall
1. Metagenics Estrovera
BFN Score9.6/10
$$$Premium30 servings1 tablet per serving
Strongest atDose & safetyWeakest atValue & practicality
Estrovera gives 4 mg of ERr 731, an extract of rhapontic rhubarb root, in an enteric-coated tablet, the same form tested in placebo-controlled trials.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- rhapontic rhubarb root extract ERr 731 (2.2 mg rhaponticin, 1 mg desoxyrhaponticin), enteric-coated
- Dose per serving
- 1 tablet (4 mg)
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 4 mg daily dose used in trials3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated on the label (brand says its products are third-party tested)
- Other ingredients
- microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, silica, enteric coating (ethyl cellulose, hypromellose, medium-chain triglycerides, ammonium hydroxide, sodium alginate, hydroxypropylcellulose, oleic acid, stearic acid)
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free
Clinical Relevance
In a 12-week trial of 109 perimenopausal women, ERr 731 lowered menopause symptom scores, including hot flashes, more than placebo3. Its compounds act mainly on the ERβ estrogen receptor, not the ERα receptor linked to breast and uterine tissue growth. This is promising, but long-term safety data in women with cancer history are limited.
Strengths
- Same extract and form as the trials
- One small tablet a day
- Soy-free
Limitations
- Highest daily cost
- Only 30 tablets per bottle
- Evidence comes from a small number of trials
Practical Details
Take 1 tablet a day with water. Give it 4–12 weeks before judging results.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen with hot flashes who want the best-studied plant extract.
Not forwomen with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancer, unless their doctor approves.
Buyer Experience
Many buyers say their hot flashes and night sweats dropped sharply. Some noticed it within days, others only after three to four weeks. Better sleep and steadier mood come up often.
A sizable share felt no change, even after a second bottle. Opinions on value are split, and a few mention a bitter taste.
vs. Estroven Complete
Choose Estrovera for the enteric-coated tablet used in trials and no added colors. Choose Estroven Complete for the same dose at about half the daily cost.
Nutritionist’s Note
If you notice no change after 12 weeks, stop; a longer course is unlikely to help.
Verdict: The best-supported plant-based option for hot flashes, in a clean once-daily tablet.
#2Best Budget Soy Isoflavone
2. Nutricost Soy Isoflavones 150 mg
BFN Score9.4/10
$$$Budget180 servings1 capsule per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atEvidence fit
Nutricost gives 150 mg of soy germ extract per capsule, standardized to 60 mg of isoflavones, with 180 capsules per bottle.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- soy (Glycine max) germ extract, min. 40% total isoflavones
- Dose per serving
- 1 capsule (150 mg extract, 60 mg isoflavones)
- Dose vs. research
- Within studied range; close to the median 54 mg used in hot flash trials4
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (made in a GMP facility)
- Other ingredients
- rice flour, hypromellose capsule, calcium laurate
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO; contains soy
Clinical Relevance
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found soy isoflavones cut hot flash frequency by about 20% more than placebo, with products higher in genistein working better4. The label doesn’t list how much genistein each capsule contains.
Strengths
- Lowest daily cost
- Studied isoflavone amount
- Six-month supply
Limitations
- Genistein amount not stated
- No outside certification
- Contains soy
Practical Details
Take 1 capsule a day with food. Benefits, if any, usually show after 6–12 weeks.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen who want to try soy isoflavones at low cost.
Not forpeople with soy allergy or estrogen-sensitive conditions.
Buyer Experience
The review base is small. Most buyers who mention results say it eases hot flashes, and they praise the quality and the price. Few report side effects.
A minority noticed no difference.
vs. EQUELLE S-Equol
Choose Nutricost for a much lower cost. Choose EQUELLE if soy isoflavones haven’t helped you, since many people can’t turn them into equol.
Nutritionist’s Note
If you take levothyroxine, take soy isoflavones at least 4 hours apart from it.
Verdict: The cheapest way to try the soy isoflavone dose used in research.
#3Best Drugstore ERr 731
3. Estroven Complete
BFN Score9.3/10
$$$Mid-range28 servings1 caplet per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atPurity & additives
Estroven Complete uses the same 4 mg of rhapontic rhubarb root extract as Estrovera, with the same amounts of rhaponticin and desoxyrhaponticin, at about half the daily cost.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- rhapontic rhubarb root extract (2.2 mg rhaponticin, 1 mg desoxyrhaponticin)
- Dose per serving
- 1 caplet (4 mg)
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 4 mg daily dose used in trials3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated
- Other ingredients
- dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, coating (titanium dioxide color), sodium alginate, medium-chain triglycerides, maltodextrin, riboflavin (color), stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate
- Additives
- Note – titanium dioxide and riboflavin used as colors
- Allergens & diet
- soy-free
Clinical Relevance
The extract and dose match the ERr 731 trials3. The label doesn’t say the caplet is enteric-coated, which was the form used in those studies.
Strengths
- Same extract dose as Estrovera
- About half the daily cost
- Widely available
Limitations
- Added colors
- 28 caplets per box
- Coating type not stated
Practical Details
Take 1 caplet a day with water.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen who want ERr 731 at a lower cost.
Not forpeople avoiding titanium dioxide.
Buyer Experience
Buyers often report better sleep, fewer night sweats and a better mood. Many say it took two to four weeks to notice a change.
Results are split, though: a large minority saw no difference in hot flashes. Some report nausea, and opinions on value are divided.
vs. Metagenics Estrovera
Choose Estroven Complete to save money. Choose Estrovera for the enteric-coated form and no added colors.
Nutritionist’s Note
Estroven sells several formulas with different ingredients; check that the label lists rhapontic rhubarb before you buy.
Verdict: The trial dose of rhubarb extract at a drugstore price.
#4Best for Non-Equol Producers
4. EQUELLE S-Equol
BFN Score9.1/10
$$$Premium30 servings per bottle2 tablets per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atValue & practicality
EQUELLE gives 10 mg of S-equol per serving, a compound some people’s gut bacteria make from soy isoflavones and others can’t make at all.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- S-equol from fermented soy germ
- Dose per serving
- 2 tablets (10 mg S-equol; also 240 mg calcium)
- Dose vs. research
- Within studied range (10–20 mg a day)6
- % DV / Upper Limit
- calcium 18% DV
- Purity testing
- Not stated
- Other ingredients
- dicalcium phosphate, fermented soy germ, silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, coating (hypromellose, glycerin, hydroxypropyl cellulose), microcrystalline cellulose
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- derived from soy
Clinical Relevance
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found equol reduced hot flash scores compared with placebo6. Only some people can make equol from soy, which may explain why soy isoflavones help some women and not others9.
Strengths
- Gives equol directly
- Clean ingredient list
- Studied 10 mg dose
Limitations
- High daily cost
- 2 tablets a day
- Not recommended by the Menopause Society1
Practical Details
Take 2 tablets a day, together or split. The pack contains three 30-day bottles.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen who tried soy isoflavones without results.
Not forbudget buyers or people with soy allergy.
Buyer Experience
The review base is small, and experiences are split almost evenly. Some buyers say hot flashes and night sweats dropped within days or weeks; others saw no change after two months.
Price is the most common complaint, and a few report mood changes.
vs. Nutricost Soy Isoflavones
Choose EQUELLE if soy hasn’t helped you. Choose Nutricost to try soy isoflavones first at a fraction of the cost.
Nutritionist’s Note
Try a soy isoflavone for 8–12 weeks first; if it works, you probably make equol and don’t need the more expensive product.
Verdict: A good next step for women who don’t respond to soy isoflavones.
#5Best Estrogen-Free Option
5. Remifemin
BFN Score8.8/10
$$$Mid-range60 servings2 tablets per serving
Strongest atQuality & trustWeakest atEvidence fit
Remifemin uses RemiSure (iCR), a standardized black cohosh extract made in Germany and the version used in most black cohosh studies. Black cohosh isn’t a plant estrogen, so it suits women who want to avoid estrogen-like compounds.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- black cohosh root/rhizome dry extract (RemiSure iCR, 8.5:1)
- Dose per serving
- 1 tablet (2.5 mg extract, equal to 21 mg herb); 2 tablets a day
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 40 mg herb-equivalent daily dose used in iCR studies
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (made in Germany)
- Other ingredients
- lactose monohydrate, cellulose, potato starch, magnesium stearate
- Additives
- Note – lactose
- Allergens & diet
- contains milk
Clinical Relevance
Results are mixed. A Cochrane review found too little evidence that black cohosh reduces hot flashes7, while a 2023 review of 22 studies found some benefit for overall menopause symptoms5. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with black cohosh products5.
Strengths
- Most-studied black cohosh extract
- Not a phytoestrogen
- Standardized extract
Limitations
- Mixed evidence
- Rare liver injury reports
- Contains lactose
Practical Details
Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 in the evening. Full effects may take 8 weeks.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen who want a non-estrogenic herb.
Not forpeople with liver disease or lactose intolerance.
Buyer Experience
Many buyers report fewer hot flashes and night sweats, better sleep and a calmer mood, often after a few weeks of daily use.
A sizable minority noticed no effect, and some report stomach upset or other side effects.
vs. Metagenics Estrovera
Choose Remifemin if you want to avoid estrogen-like compounds. Choose Estrovera for stronger trial results.
Nutritionist’s Note
Stop and see a doctor if you notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or unusual tiredness5.
Verdict: The best-made black cohosh option for women avoiding plant estrogens.
#6Best Hops Extract
6. Swanson Estro8Pn Hop Extract
BFN Score8.2/10
$$$Mid-range60–120 servings1–2 capsules per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atEvidence fit
Swanson’s Estro8Pn gives 10 mg of hop extract per capsule. Hops contain 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), one of the strongest known plant estrogens.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Estro8Pn hop extract (Humulus lupulus female cone and flower)
- Dose per serving
- 1 capsule (10 mg extract); 1–2 a day
- Dose vs. research
- Unclear – the label doesn’t state the 8-PN amount used in trials (100 mcg a day)8
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated
- Other ingredients
- brown rice flour, hypromellose capsule, magnesium stearate
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegetarian
Clinical Relevance
In a small 12-week trial, a hop extract with 100 mcg of 8-PN improved menopause symptoms more than placebo at 6 weeks, but the effect was weaker by the end8. Without an 8-PN amount on the label, you can’t tell how this product compares.
Strengths
- Simple, clean formula
- Soy-free
- Two bottles per pack
Limitations
- 8-PN content not stated
- Very little research
- Hops can cause drowsiness
Practical Details
Take 1 capsule once or twice a day. Taking it in the evening may suit you if it makes you sleepy.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen who want to try a soy-free plant estrogen.
Not forpeople with estrogen-sensitive conditions or anyone taking sedatives.
Buyer Experience
The review base is very small. Some buyers report fewer hot flashes and mood swings, while others noticed nothing after months.
A few felt nauseous when taking it on an empty stomach, and several find it expensive per capsule.
vs. Metagenics Estrovera
Choose Swanson for a lower daily cost. Choose Estrovera for a standardized extract with stronger trial results.
Nutritionist’s Note
Avoid combining hops with alcohol or sleep aids, as the sedative effects can add up.
Verdict: An inexpensive way to try hops, but with the least evidence on our list.
Products We Didn’t Recommend
DIM products (SMNutrition DIM, Zazzee DIM, Deal Supplement DIM, aSquared Nutrition DIM). These were on the old version of this page. DIM helps the body break down estrogen; it doesn’t add estrogen. See our DIM supplements guide if that’s what you want.
Metagenics EstroFactors and Natural Factors EstroSense. “Estrogen metabolism” formulas built around DIM and cruciferous extracts, not plant estrogens.
Pueraria mirifica. A very potent plant estrogen with inconsistent strength between products and little human safety data.
SOLARAY PhytoEstrogen. A blend that includes wild yam; the body can’t turn wild yam into estrogen.
NOW Soy Isoflavones 60 mg. A good product, but similar to our Nutricost pick at a higher daily cost.
Red clover blossom capsules. Most aren’t standardized for isoflavones, so the dose is unknown.
Flaxseed lignan supplements. A placebo-controlled trial found flaxseed didn’t reduce hot flashes.
Evidence Scorecard
| Use | What it’s studied for | Evidence level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot flashes (ERr 731) | Frequency and severity | Moderate | Small number of trials, mostly from one research group3 |
| Hot flashes (soy isoflavones) | Frequency and severity | Moderate | About 20% better than placebo in a meta-analysis4 |
| Hot flashes (S-equol) | Frequency | Limited to moderate | Benefit in a meta-analysis; trials are small6 |
| Hot flashes (black cohosh) | Frequency | Mixed | Cochrane: insufficient evidence7 |
| Hot flashes (hops 8-PN) | Overall symptoms | Limited | One small trial8 |
| Vaginal dryness, bone loss | Symptom relief, fracture prevention | Not supported | Prescription estrogen works; supplements don’t |
The Menopause Society reviewed all of these and doesn’t recommend supplements for hot flashes, because the effects are small and inconsistent1.
How to Take a Plant Estrogen Supplement
| Step | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one | Start with a single product | Makes it clear what’s working |
| Daily amount | Follow the studied dose (see table above) | Higher doses aren’t better studied |
| Track symptoms | Note hot flashes per day for 2 weeks before and during | Shows whether it actually helps |
| Trial length | 8–12 weeks | Most trials judge results at 12 weeks34 |
| Stop if no change | After 12 weeks | Longer use is unlikely to help |
- Don’t combine several plant estrogen products at once.
- Tell your doctor before starting, especially if you take hormones, tamoxifen or thyroid medicine.
- Stop and see a doctor if you have vaginal bleeding after menopause, breast changes, or signs of liver problems.
What to Expect and When
Plant estrogens don’t work like a prescription. Most trials report small changes after 6–12 weeks34. Hot flashes also improve on their own over time and with placebo, so tracking them helps you see if the supplement adds anything.
Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
Most side effects are mild: stomach upset, bloating and headache. Black cohosh has been linked to rare cases of liver injury5.
| Medication or condition | Possible interaction | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Breast, uterine or ovarian cancer history | Plant estrogens may act on estrogen receptors | Ask your oncologist first |
| Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors | Plant estrogens may interfere | Avoid unless your oncologist approves |
| Hormone therapy or birth control | Unclear combined effect | Ask your doctor |
| Levothyroxine | Soy can reduce absorption | Take at least 4 hours apart |
| Liver disease | Black cohosh liver injury reports5 | Avoid black cohosh |
| Sedatives, sleep aids, alcohol | Hops may add drowsiness | Avoid combining |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Not studied | Don’t use |
Food First: Where Else to Get Plant Estrogens
| Food | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk | Natural sources of soy isoflavones4 |
| Miso and natto | Fermented soy with isoflavones |
| Chickpeas and lentils | Small amounts of isoflavones |
| Ground flaxseed | Lignans, another type of plant estrogen |
Two servings of soy foods a day provide roughly 50–60 mg of isoflavones, similar to a supplement.
How to Choose an Estrogen Supplement
Plant Estrogen, Not DIM
Check the active ingredient. DIM, calcium D-glucarate and “estrogen detox” formulas lower estrogen activity.
Named, Standardized Extract
Look for a named extract with a stated amount, such as ERr 731 (4 mg), isoflavones in mg, or S-equol in mg.
Dose That Matches Research
Compare the label with the studied doses in the table above.
Soy or Soy-Free
Soy isoflavones and S-equol come from soy; rhubarb extract, black cohosh and hops don’t.
Single Ingredient
Simple formulas make it easier to tell what’s working and avoid unnecessary herbs.
Label Red Flags
- Claims to “boost estrogen naturally” or replace hormone therapy
- Wild yam marketed as natural progesterone or estrogen
- Pueraria mirifica in high doses
- Proprietary blends that hide amounts
- Breast enlargement claims
Important: These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results vary by individual. If you have a health condition or take medications, check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best estrogen supplement for women?
Metagenics Estrovera is our top pick, based on its ERr 731 trial. On a budget, try Nutricost Soy Isoflavones or Estroven Complete.
What is a natural estrogen supplement?
It’s a supplement with plant compounds that act weakly like estrogen, such as soy isoflavones, S-equol, rhubarb extract or hops. None contains human estrogen.
Can you buy estrogen over the counter?
No. Estradiol and other estrogen medicines need a prescription in the US. Products sold as “estrogen supplements” contain plant compounds, not estrogen.
Do estrogen supplements raise estrogen levels?
No. Plant estrogens bind weakly to estrogen receptors but don’t raise blood estrogen levels.
Is DIM an estrogen supplement?
No. DIM helps the body break down estrogen. Read our DIM supplements guide to learn more.
Are plant estrogen supplements safe?
For most healthy women, short-term use appears safe. Ask your doctor first if you’ve had breast or uterine cancer, take tamoxifen, hormones or thyroid medicine, or have liver disease.
Final Verdict
Metagenics Estrovera is the best estrogen supplement for most women: the trial dose of ERr 731 in a clean once-daily tablet.
On a budget, choose Nutricost Soy Isoflavones or Estroven Complete. If soy hasn’t worked, try EQUELLE. If you want to avoid estrogen-like compounds, choose Remifemin.
Keep expectations modest, give it 12 weeks, and talk to your doctor about prescription options if symptoms are affecting your life. For more, see our guides to soy supplements for menopause and black cohosh supplements.
Sources & History
References
- 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement (press release summarizing the statement published in Menopause, 2023) — The Menopause Society
- Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices: What the Science Says — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Efficacy and Safety of a Special Extract of Rheum rhaponticum (ERr 731) in Perimenopausal Women With Climacteric Complaints: A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial — Menopause, 2006
- Extracted or Synthesized Soybean Isoflavones Reduce Menopausal Hot Flash Frequency and Severity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials — Menopause, 2012
- Black Cohosh — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Equol Decreases Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials — Journal of Medicinal Food, 2019
- Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for Menopausal Symptoms — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012
- A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Standardized Hop Extracts to Alleviate Menopausal Discomforts — Maturitas, 2006
- S-Equol: A Potential Nonhormonal Agent for Menopause-Related Symptom Relief — Journal of Women’s Health, 2015
Update history
- Rewritten under BFN Score v3: replaced the previous DIM picks (which lower estrogen activity) with plant estrogen and non-hormonal options; compared 16 labels and ranked six by active ingredient, dose against research, testing, other ingredients and cost; removed fixed prices; added an ingredient evidence table, the Menopause Society’s position, an evidence scorecard and a safety table.






