If you’ve searched for menopause supplements online or in stores, you’ve probably seen labels marketing products as “doctor recommended” or “gynecologist recommended.”
But what do these claims actually mean?
With 6,000 women reaching menopause each day in the United States, many women are navigating a growing marketplace of products that claim to offer menopause symptom relief.1 According to Bonafide Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, understanding the meaning behind product claims may help women make more confident, empowered decisions about their menopause journey and solutions they invest in to support their quality of life.
Here we’ll talk through what the “gynecologist recommended” claim on menopause products means and whether women should consider them for symptom relief.
What Does “Doctor Recommended” or “Gynecologist Recommended” Mean?
According to Dr. Dweck, there’s no standard definition for “doctor recommended” or “gynecologist recommended” when it comes to products in the medical world—but that doesn’t mean the claim doesn’t hold weight for consumers.
While the product labels are not technically official certifications, products marketed as “gynecologist recommended” or “doctor recommended” generally indicate that healthcare professionals are comfortable recommending them based on clinical judgment and based on some sort of reliable evidence including dedicated survey or study data. However, it does not mean that the product is FDA approved or regulated—meaning you should still do your own research on products carefully before taking them.2
So, should women prioritize products that are indicated to be “doctor recommended” on their label – or does it not matter?
“While not imperative, women often benefit greatly from the expertise of a seasoned clinician with vast experience, enough to feel comfortable making a personal product recommendation. Many gynecologists engage in research with drugs, over-the-counter products, or devices and can confidently make recommendations based on this research,” explains Dr. Dweck. “One should be appropriately curious about clinicians who recommend products solely on compensation for such,” Dweck warns. “To be clear, some clinicians do provide products in office they truly support, both for patient discretion and convenience – and charge a fee for this.”
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists echoes Dr. Dweck’s message, cautioning women to approach marketing buzzwords and too good to be true claims, with a critical eye. In addition to keeping your eyes out for a “doctor recommended” label, ACOG recommends: 3
- Talking to your OBGYN about benefits and risks of treatments
- Auditing the product spokesperson’s background and ensuring legitimate credentials (MD, DO, PhD, etc.)
- Looking beyond marketing buzzwords
- Reviewing the manufacturer’s research and clinical trials/product testing
How Do Gynecologists Evaluate Menopause Supplements?
According to Dr. Dweck, gynecologists and other healthcare providers typically rely on patients’ individual needs, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based menopause care when it comes to symptom management options. This includes dietary supplements designed to provide menopause symptom relief.
According to Dr. Dweck, “As a general rule, professional medical societies in various disciplines, including The Menopause Society (TMS), Endocrine Society and ACOG (American College/Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology) establish treatment guidelines and recommendations based on evidence from clinical studies focused on safety, efficacy and patient/user experience. Many options exist for menopause symptom management, including both prescription-based FDA approved drugs and over the counter products, as well as supplements and herbal based options, and finally lifestyle/behavioral modification.”
A Gynecologist’s Menopause Supplement Checklist
There are a few questions physicians likely consider when evaluating menopause supplements; they may include:4,5,6,7
- Does the supplement address the patient’s symptoms and needs?
- Are the ingredients generally safe, studied, and tested?
- Are the supplement ingredients safe for the patient’s current health status, medications, and medical history?
- Does the supplement meet clinical guidelines?
- Is the product evidence based or simply an internet trend?
Should Women Look for Gynecologist-Recommended Menopause Products?
Regardless of label claims, menopause relief is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Women should always discuss new menopause supplements and products with a healthcare provider who is familiar with their symptoms, medical history, and needs.8,9,10,11
“Shared decision making between the clinician and patient should be employed to make the best individual recommendations,” advises Dr. Dweck. By studying product labels and talking through your options with a trusted healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and evaluate evidence-based menopause care, it’s possible to find relief from menopause symptoms.12,13,14
Resources
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/menopause-supplements-effective-relief-or-empty-promises
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/understanding-fda-terms-possible-new-therapies-prevent-and-treat-diseases
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/menopause-misinformation-is-everywhere-heres-how-to-detect-it
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/12/do-you-need-dietary-supplements
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/using-dietary-supplements-wisely
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dietary-and-herbal-supplements
- https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-i-tell-my-doctor-what-vitamins-i-take
- https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/supplements-simplified/
- https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-vitamins-and-supplements
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ODS_Frequently_Asked_Questions.aspx
- https://menopause.org/patient-education/choosing-a-healthcare-practitioner
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401
- https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-symptoms-and-relief
