Bee pollen may offer some benefits for managing menopausal symptoms. Bee pollen contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. This may help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other common menopause complaints.
Research on bee pollen and menopause
Several studies have evaluated using bee pollen for menopausal support:
- A 2013 study gave women experiencing menopause either a placebo or bee pollen capsules daily. After 3 months, the women taking bee pollen had significant improvements in hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, memory, and concentration compared to the placebo group.
- Another study from 2011 found that consuming bee pollen extract for 90 days decreased hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. It also improved blood lipid profiles.
- Multiple animal studies also show bee pollen can regulate sex hormones, boost antioxidant status, protect bone health, and have anti-inflammatory effects. All of these mechanisms may underlie why it helps alleviate menopausal issues.
Using bee pollen for menopause
The research indicates taking
bee pollen supplements or eating 1-2 tablespoons of bee pollen granules per day may help with menopausal symptoms.
When purchasing bee pollen:
- Choose fresh, raw bee pollen rather than heat-treated varieties
- Source it from local apiaries whenever possible
- Look for pollen harvested from organically-managed hives to avoid contamination from pesticides
Some women notice improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting bee pollen. But allow at least 90 days to experience the full effects. Those with allergies to honey or bees should avoid it.
Other complementary approaches
Bee pollen can be used alongside other evidence-based, natural therapies to enhance menopause management:
- Black cohosh: Alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability
- Flaxseed: Source of lignans to balance hormones
- Vitex berry: Regulates progesterone levels
- Maca root: Lessens anxiety and sexual problems
- Ginseng: Boosts mood, sleep, and cognition
- Soy foods: Supply estrogen-mimicking isoflavones
A can help personalize an integrative plan with bee pollen and other botanicals based on a woman’s specific menopausal symptoms and health history.
At Vitality Renewal Clinic, we specialize in evidence-based, multi-modal therapies to help women smoothly transition into menopause. to learn more about our personalized programs with bee pollen, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to relieve your menopausal concerns.
