Menopause Relief Product Test Winner: What the Tests Really Show

What do Stiftung Warentest and Öko-Test really evaluate?

At the beginning of 2026, Stiftung Warentest evaluated a total of 57 remedies for menopausal symptoms. The benchmark is the scientific proof of benefit. Hormone preparations containing estrogen, sometimes combined with a progestogen, were classified as "suitable" because high-quality studies demonstrate their effectiveness for hot flashes and night sweats. In contrast, Stiftung Warentest rated herbal medicinal products (phytopharmaceuticals) only as "suitable with reservations": they may not be sufficient for severe symptoms, long-term risks are barely studied, and they should not be taken for months without medical advice.

In its October 2026 issue, Öko-Test examined a total of 23 remedies, including 17 dietary supplements and 6 pharmacy-only herbal medicinal products. Two experts in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Frankfurt assessed whether the effect on hot flashes and sweating is sufficiently proven. Only three remedies received a "good" rating; 17 failed with "poor" or "unsatisfactory." A "very good" rating was not awarded because the approval studies for the herbal medicinal products, in some cases, no longer meet current standards.

Öko-Test mainly criticized Vitamin B6 in amounts exceeding the maximum intake recommendations set by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, combinations of several plant substances whose interactions are difficult to estimate, excipients such as talc, and missing warning notices: 15 out of 17 dietary supplements lacked at least one recommended risk statement.

What are plant hormones?

"Plant hormones" usually refers to phytoestrogens, i.e., plant substances such as isoflavones from soy and red clover. They are chemically similar to the body's own estrogen and can dock onto estrogen receptors, but their effect is significantly weaker. They are not hormones in the strict sense. Black cohosh is not considered a phytoestrogen; its exact mechanism of action has not been conclusively clarified.

How effective are phytoestrogens?

The data situation is still recent. In its 2026 market check, the Consumer Center (Verbraucherzentrale) states: "The effect is not proven." Small studies found an effect on hot flashes for soy isoflavones, and a meta-analysis of 13 studies found a small effect on overall menopausal symptoms as well as depressive symptoms. According to the authors, the informative value is not such that the results could be generalized due to small studies and methodological weaknesses. Effects can vary from woman to woman. Öko-Test refers to the IQWiG, according to which at least 30 mg of isoflavones daily could alleviate symptoms, and significantly downgraded preparations with less than 30 mg. For this reason, high-quality products, such as the Midlife Formulaby Hormonic, contain more than 30mg.

Regarding dosage, it is worth looking at the label. As a guideline, the EFSA specifies a maximum of 100 mg of isolated soy isoflavones and 43.5 mg of red clover isoflavones per day, valid for healthy postmenopausal women. According to the Consumer Center, around 41 percent of products still exceeded these values in the 2024 follow-up inspection, and 82 percent lacked the note on the recommended maximum duration of 10 months for soy and 3 months for red clover. Our article on red clover during menopauseshows what else you can look for to identify a good red clover preparation.

For whom are herbal remedies not suitable?

Herbal remedies are not an option for every woman. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises women who have had or have estrogen-dependent breast or uterine cancer against using isoflavone preparations. Anyone taking medication should discuss combination preparations containing several plant substances with their doctor or pharmacist beforehand, as interactions are difficult to estimate. And for severe hot flashes or night sweats, the question of hormone therapy should be part of medical consultation, as the benefits are best proven there.

Whether a herbal remedy is an option for you also depends on pre-existing conditions and medications. It is best to clarify this with a doctor, for example in a consultation on perimenopause and menopause online.

Why is a "test winner" not automatically the best remedy for you?

The tests primarily reward products that have their own, high-quality efficacy study. If such a study is missing, it does not automatically mean that an active ingredient is ineffective, but rather that the company itself has not conducted its own study. This is definitely not necessary to have a good product. Many active ingredients have been investigated by independent studies. The best path for you depends on your symptoms, your tolerance, your pre-existing conditions, and your preferences, not on a single title. Herbal options are intended more for milder symptoms or for women who do not want or are not allowed to take hormones. You can find a detailed classification in our article on herbal remedies during menopause.

What you should look out for when comparing

Instead of just looking at a title, you can evaluate a product using the same criteria that the testers apply. First, look for an active ingredient with a verifiable body of studies and a sensible dosage: more is not better; Öko-Test has explicitly criticized overdosed added vitamins in particular. Second, look for as few active ingredients as possible, as Öko-Test prefers products with only one primary ingredient and no added vitamins or minerals. Third, look for clean manufacturing, ideally with independent laboratory testing.

Fourth, have realistic expectations: herbal remedies have a milder effect than hormone therapy and may take a few weeks to work. And fifth, consider the medical context: you should have a doctor clarify beforehand whether you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. If symptoms are severe or persistent, the question of hormone therapy should be part of the consultation.

How we approach this topic at Hormonic

Our Midlife Formula was not part of these tests, and it is not a test winner. It is a medically developed dietary supplement with 9 active ingredients, including red clover and saffron, and is intended as a supplement to your routine during menopause.

We have therefore taken a close look at two points of criticism from the testers. First, the dosage: the consumer advice center cites 43.5 mg of red clover isoflavones per day as an EFSA guideline value, and in the 2024 follow-up check, about 41 percent of the products were still above this. The Midlife Formula contains 40 mg of isoflavones from red clover per daily dose and is therefore below this limit. Second, added vitamin B6, which Öko-Test found in some products above the BfR maximum amount: there is no vitamin B6 in the Midlife Formula.

One point remains for us as well: combination preparations involve interactions that are difficult to assess, and no dietary supplement replaces medical clarification or hormone therapy in the case of severe symptoms. If you are taking medication or have a hormone-dependent condition, speak to your doctor first. You can find an overview of our formulas in the summary of Menopause Formulas.

Conclusion

There is no single "best in test" for menopause relief using herbal hormones. Stiftung Warentest and Öko-Test primarily evaluate proven benefits, and by this standard, hormone preparations are ahead for severe symptoms, while only a few herbal remedies are convincing: at Öko-Test, it was 3 out of 23. This does not mean that herbal approaches are useless, but that you should take a closer look: for an active ingredient with a body of research, a sensible dose, and honest warning labels rather than an advertising headline. If you are unsure whether a herbal route is enough or if hormone therapy is more appropriate, a conversation with your doctor is the best next step.

More helpful than asking for the test winner is usually the question of which symptom is most prominent for you. Because that determines what makes sense in the first place. We have our own classifications for the three most common starting points: Hot flashes, muscle pain during menopauseand joint pain during menopause.