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Red Clover

aka Trifolium pratense

Isoflavone-rich legume traditionally used for menopausal symptoms.

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Overview

Isoflavone-rich legume traditionally used for menopausal symptoms.

Natural sources
  • Trifolium pratense
Common forms
  • Standardized isoflavones (Promensil)

Mechanism of action

Isoflavones (biochanin A, formononetin) act as SERMs.

Pathways
  • · ER modulation
Hormones
  • · Estrogen receptors

Effects on the body

Supports
Bone density (modest)

Organ system effects

Reproductive

Mixed evidence for hot flashes.

Evidence-based benefits

Mixed evidence for hot flash reduction

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Red Clover is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
Rare
  • · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
  • · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
Serious
  • · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Drug interactions

Anticoagulants
Coumarins.
moderate
Hormone therapy
Additive.
moderate

Safety & non-supplemental interactions

Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

Avoid if you are
  • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • A high-quality multivitamin
    Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
    Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
Avoid combining with
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers
    Phytoestrogenic.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
40–80 mg isoflavones
Best form
Most evidence is based on the standardized isoflavones (promensil) form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
Either with or without food.

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence8Show studies
Meta-analysisCochrane Database · 2013

Red clover isoflavones for menopausal symptoms

Lethaby A, et al.

Cochrane review of phytoestrogens in menopause.

Key findings

Small reduction in hot flashes vs placebo.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — Mixed evidence for hot flash reduction

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover Mixed evidence for hot flash reduction" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "Mixed evidence for hot flash reduction". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Red Clover — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Red Clover dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Clover and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Red Clover — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Red Clover as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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