Last checked September 2026 against 11 sources · Editorial policy
Red clover for menopause
Red clover contains isoflavones, plant compounds structurally similar to estrogen, but research hasn't shown conclusive benefit for any condition, NCCIH says. For hot flashes, studies conflict: a 2017 meta-analysis of the standardized extract Promensil at 80 mg a day found 3.63 fewer hot flashes a day, while a Cochrane review found no significant difference from placebo. Red clover extracts appeared safe in studies lasting up to 2 years.
Red clover isoflavones have conflicting results for hot flashes: one analysis of Promensil found benefit, Cochrane didn't. Tea vs extract, and who should avoid it.
Red clover for menopause: expectation vs reality
What people often expect
“Red clover tea raises estrogen and reliably stops hot flashes”
What the evidence shows
Most studies used concentrated extracts, not tea, and results are inconsistent. The positive meta-analysis included just three trials and found a big difference between crossover and parallel-group designs. NCCIH notes that some red clover research was low quality with a high risk of bias. Phytoestrogens may not be safe for women who shouldn't take estrogen.
Red clover and menopause: what studies show
What red clover is
Red clover is a legume, like peas and beans, native to Europe, central Asia and northern Africa. It contains isoflavones, substances structurally similar to estrogen, and red clover supplements are promoted for women's health conditions. Promensil is a standardized extract that has been tested in trials at 80 mg of isoflavones a day.
Red clover for hot flashes
Results conflict. In a 2002 trial, 80 mg a day of Promensil cut hot flashes by 44% more than placebo. A 2017 meta-analysis of the same extract found 3.63 fewer hot flashes a day. But a Cochrane review pooling five trials found no significant difference from placebo in hot flash frequency, and NCCIH describes the results as inconsistent.
Learn more →Does red clover increase estrogen?
Red clover's isoflavones resemble estrogen, which is why they're called phytoestrogens. But trials of isoflavones, mostly from soy, found no significant rise in estradiol in postmenopausal women and no estrogen-like effect on the uterine lining. NCCIH still advises that phytoestrogens may not be safe for women who shouldn't take estrogen.
Learn more →Red clover tea
Red clover tea is widely sold for menopause, but the trials tested standardized extracts, mainly Promensil at 80 mg of isoflavones a day. The isoflavone content of a cup of tea isn't standardized, so tea results can't be assumed from extract trials.
Learn more →Red clover, cholesterol and bones
NCCIH says red clover may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol in postmenopausal women, but more research is needed. Only a few studies have looked at bone density, with inconsistent results. It isn't a substitute for proven bone protection such as calcium, vitamin D, exercise and, where appropriate, HRT.
Is red clover safe?
Red clover extracts have been used in studies for as long as 2 years with apparent safety and appear well tolerated. They may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because they're phytoestrogens, they may not suit women with estrogen-sensitive conditions. Supplements aren't FDA-approved before sale.
Red clover vs other options
Soy isoflavones have more consistent evidence, with about 20.6% fewer hot flashes in a meta-analysis. The North American Menopause Society doesn't recommend supplements for hot flashes and recommends HRT as most effective, with CBT, hypnosis, SSRIs or SNRIs, gabapentin and fezolinetant as non-hormonal options.
Learn more →Red clover by the numbers
From the studies on this page
fewer hot flashes than placebo in a 2002 Promensil trial
44%
is the longest red clover extracts were used safely in studies
2 years
Bar scaled to a 12-year reference span
80 mg
3.63
Positive and negative reviews differ in which trials they include; many red clover studies are small.
Red clover products and alternatives compared
Standardized red clover extract (Promensil)
Good for
Some trials show fewer hot flashes at 80 mg a day.Watch
Cochrane found no significant benefit; results inconsistent.Red clover tea
Learn more →Good for
Easy to try.Watch
Not tested in trials; isoflavone content not standardized.Soy isoflavones
Learn more →Good for
More consistent evidence for hot flashes.Watch
Not recommended by NAMS.Proven hot flash treatments
Learn more →Good for
HRT, CBT and non-hormonal medicines have strong evidence.Watch
Some need a prescription.
How to try red clover
- If you try it, choose a standardized extract that states the isoflavone dose, as in trials.
- Avoid it if you've been told not to take estrogen.
- Don't use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Give it about 3 months, the length of most trials, then reassess.
When to check with a doctor about red clover
History of breast or uterine cancer
Talk to your oncology team before taking red clover or other phytoestrogens.
Hot flashes affecting daily life
Ask about HRT or proven non-hormonal medicines.
Bleeding after menopause
See a doctor, whatever supplements you use.
More →
Red clover and menopause: questions women ask
Does red clover help menopause?
Evidence is inconsistent. A meta-analysis of the Promensil extract found fewer hot flashes, but a Cochrane review found no significant benefit, and NCCIH says red clover hasn't shown conclusive benefit for any condition.
Does red clover increase estrogen?
Its isoflavones resemble estrogen, but isoflavone trials in postmenopausal women found no significant rise in estradiol. Women who shouldn't take estrogen should still avoid phytoestrogens.
Does red clover tea help menopause?
Tea hasn't been tested in the trials, which used standardized extracts at 80 mg of isoflavones a day. Tea isn't standardized, so benefits can't be assumed.
Is red clover good for hot flashes?
Maybe, for some women: Promensil trials found fewer hot flashes, but pooled Cochrane data didn't. Soy isoflavones have more consistent evidence.
Is red clover safe?
Extracts appeared safe in studies lasting up to 2 years. They may be unsafe in pregnancy or breastfeeding and may not suit women with estrogen-sensitive conditions.
Can red clover help perimenopause?
There's no specific evidence for perimenopause. Trials mostly involved menopausal women with hot flashes, with mixed results.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Red clover: usefulness and safety.
- Myers SP, Vigar V. Effects of a standardised extract of Trifolium pratense (Promensil) at a dosage of 80mg in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2017;24:141-147.
- Lethaby A, Marjoribanks J, Kronenberg F, et al. Phytoestrogens for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;2013(12):CD001395.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Menopausal symptoms: in depth.
- van de Weijer PH, Barentsen R. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Maturitas. 2002;42(3):187-93.
- Viscardi G, Back S, Ahmed A, et al. Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2025;16(1):100327.
- NHS. Things you can do to help menopause and perimenopause symptoms.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements.
- Taku K, Melby MK, Kronenberg F, et al. Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2012;19(7):776-90.
- The North American Menopause Society. The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2023;30(6):573-590.
- NHS. Postmenopausal bleeding.
See our editorial policy.
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