The effects of milk thistle on menopause

Every woman goes through menopause, and it can bring some tricky symptoms. Thankfully, milk thistle is a natural option that might help make things a little easier.

🕒 5 min read

Menopause marks the stage in a woman’s life when her periods stop and the ovaries gradually cease their reproductive role. On average, in the UK, this typically happens around the age of 51, although changes and symptoms can often start sooner during a transitional phase called the perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause can be a very challenging time with a range of physical and psychological symptoms that bring about emotional changes. The symptoms associated with the peri-menopause and menopause include:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Anxiety and low mood
• Poor memory and concentration
• Lower self-esteem
• Headaches and migraine
• Disrupted sleep
• Irritability and mood swings
• Tiredness
• Dry, itchy skin
• Low sex drive
• Aching joints and muscles
• Urinary problems (cystitis, incontinence)

What is milk thistle?

Milk thistle is a natural herb in the sunflower family that helps support hormonal balance in the liver and improve digestion. The seeds are particularly valued because they contain high levels of silymarin, a compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant, helps calm local inflammation, and protects cells from the effects of toxins.

Is milk thistle good for menopause?

Many benefits can be derived from milk thistle, and menopause is one of the conditions whose symptoms can be alleviated by it in a number of ways.

Firstly, it addresses one of the most common symptoms of menopause, which is low mood and self-esteem, as well as irritability, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. Typically, everyday stresses can seem even more overwhelming than before the start of menopause, but milk thistle is thought to help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Secondly, if you choose to go down the HRT (hormone replacement therapy) route, you may find that your medication slows down bile production, causing constipation. Milk thistle can assist the liver with bile production. To learn more about HRT alternatives, read our guide on six natural HRT alternatives.

How does milk thistle help with menopause?

“The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, can help to support hormonal balance through its protective action on the liver,” says Catherine Jeans, nutritional therapist and co-director of The Orange Grove Clinic, specialising in women's health.

“Any excess hormones we have in our body are detoxified and excreted via the liver and gut, which makes milk thistle an excellent herb to help support hormonal balance,” she adds.

Using milk thistle for menopause not only may help reduce anxiety and depression by supporting hormonal balance, but can also help reduce tiredness and fatigue, and assist with hot flushes.

It is important to talk to your GP before taking milk thistle tablets, as THR products and some non-THR supplements can interfere with medication.

How often should I take milk thistle for menopause?

It is recommended that you take one tablet of milk thistle supplement daily with water to help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. It is preferably taken with meals.

Is there any reason I shouldn't take milk thistle for menopause?

As with all supplements, always consult a healthcare professional before taking one if you’re on any prescription medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions. Your GP should be able to explain whether you can take milk thistle for menopause.

What other menopause supplements could help me?

A number of other herbs and supplements can help to improve the symptoms of menopause, including:

• Evening Primrose Oil – supports women’s health and maintains hormonal balance; commonly available in 1000mg and 500mg strengths.
• Starflower Oil – nature’s richest source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA helps support hormonal balance and may reduce uncomfortable symptoms experienced during menopause.
• Sage – helps manage menopause symptoms in the form of a one-a-day, easy-to-swallow tablet (often vegan-friendly). This natural plant oestrogen helps support digestion and is commonly taken alongside Starflower Oil or Evening Primrose Oil.

To learn more, you can browse our high-quality range of menopause supplements or read our helpful guide on the best menopause supplements according to trusted experts.