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Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause

Humulus lupulus L. — female cones
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Hop extract from Humulus lupulus (the hop plant, source of beer bittering) is one of the more interesting botanical interventions for menopausal symptoms — uniquely containing 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), often described as one of the most potent naturally-occurring phytoestrogens identified. 8-PN binds estrogen receptors with higher affinity than soy isoflavones, daidzein, or genistein. Standardized hop extracts for menopause are typically prepared from the female hop cones (strobiles) where 8-PN concentrates. Clinical doses across published trials range from 100-500 mcg of 8-PN equivalents per day. Multiple RCTs have documented reductions in hot flashes, night sweats, and Greene Climacteric Scale scores vs placebo over 6-16 weeks. Honest framing: hop's phytoestrogen mechanism is genuinely more potent in vitro than other commonly-supplemented phytoestrogens, but human trial evidence is more modest — the dose at which 8-PN is delivered in supplements is small (mcg range vs the gram-range isoflavone doses used in soy trials). Estrogen-sensitive conditions are a contraindication.

Studied Dose 100-500 mcg 8-PN equivalents/day; standardized extracts typically 100-200 mg total extract delivering target 8-PN.
Active Compound Humulus lupulus (hop) female cone extract; key bioactive 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN). Also 6-prenylnaringenin, xanthohumol, humulones, lupulones.

Benefits

Hot flash and night sweat reduction

Multiple human RCTs of standardized hop extracts have documented significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity vs placebo in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Effect size is meaningful though typically less dramatic than hormone replacement therapy.

Supported by Trial 1

Greene Climacteric Scale improvements

Multi-domain menopausal symptom scales (Greene Climacteric Scale, MENQOL) show improvements with hop extract supplementation — capturing not just vasomotor symptoms but also mood, sleep, and somatic complaints typical of menopause.

Supported by Trial 1

Potent natural phytoestrogen via 8-PN

8-prenylnaringenin binds estrogen receptors (particularly ERα) with affinity reported as orders of magnitude higher than soy isoflavones or red clover phytoestrogens. This higher per-mg potency allows clinically meaningful effects at much smaller dose ranges (mcg vs gram).

Supported by Trial 2

Calming and sleep-supportive traditional use

Beyond menopause applications, hops have traditional use as a calming herb for sleep and anxiety — typically combined with valerian. Mechanism likely involves GABAergic activity from non-8-PN compounds. Relevant in menopause context where sleep disruption is common.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Lipid profile maintenance

Some hop extract trials have shown modest favorable effects on lipid markers in menopausal women — consistent with estrogenic activity (estrogen has well-established lipid-modifying effects). Important given menopause-associated adverse lipid changes.

Supported by Trial 1

Bone health support (theoretical)

Estrogen receptor binding by 8-PN could theoretically support bone density via the same mechanism as hormonal estrogen — though direct hop bone density trials are limited. Cell culture and animal models show osteogenic activity.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Estrogen receptor agonism

8-prenylnaringenin binds and activates estrogen receptors (ERα with particularly high affinity). The downstream effect mimics endogenous estradiol — explaining benefits on vasomotor stability, lipid profile, and other estrogen-responsive tissues. Mechanism distinct from FenuSmart-style endogenous estradiol elevation.

2

Vasomotor center stabilization

Estrogen receptor activation in the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center stabilizes the temperature setpoint that becomes labile in menopause — the mechanism underlying hot flash and night sweat reduction. Same downstream effect as HRT but via plant-derived ER agonist.

3

GABAergic activity (non-8-PN compounds)

Hop bittering compounds (humulones, lupulones) and the broader extract matrix appear to have GABAergic effects supporting the traditional use as calming and sleep-supportive. Mechanism distinct from 8-PN's estrogenic activity and contributes complementary benefits in menopause where sleep is often disrupted.

4

Xanthohumol bioconversion to 8-PN

Hop extracts contain xanthohumol — a chalcone that can be bioconverted to 8-PN by intestinal microbiota in some individuals. This bioconversion is variable across individuals based on microbiome composition, explaining some inter-individual response variability.

Clinical trials

1
Standardized Hop Extract Menopause Clinical Trial

Multiple randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of standardized hop extracts (delivering 100-500 mcg 8-PN/day) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

postmenopausal women

Multiple randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of standardized hop extracts (delivering 100-500 mcg 8-PN/day) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Outcomes: significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity, Greene Climacteric Scale improvements over 6-16 weeks vs placebo. Effects emerge progressively rather than acutely.

2
8-PN Estrogen Receptor Binding Studies

Multiple in vitro and preclinical studies have established 8-PN as among the most potent natural phytoestrogens for ER binding — reported with affinity orders of magnitude higher than soy isoflavones.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Multiple in vitro and preclinical studies have established 8-PN as among the most potent natural phytoestrogens for ER binding — reported with affinity orders of magnitude higher than soy isoflavones. Foundational evidence underlying hop's menopause indication.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated at supplemental doses; mild drowsiness possible (consistent with GABAergic activity).
Estrogenic activity is the entire mechanism — those with estrogen-sensitive conditions (breast cancer history, ER+ tumors, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) should avoid or consult oncologist/gynecologist.
Possible mild GI effects.
Theoretical concern about endometrial proliferation with very long-term high-dose use (as with any phytoestrogen) — periodic medical monitoring appropriate.
Pregnancy: avoid. Lactation: avoid.

Important Drug interactions

Hormone replacement therapy — additive estrogenic effect; consult prescriber.
Tamoxifen / aromatase inhibitors (breast cancer adjuvant therapy) — hop's estrogenic activity may oppose these therapies; avoid with breast cancer history.
Sedatives/benzodiazepines/alcohol — additive sedation via the GABAergic compounds; use caution.
Hormonal contraceptives — theoretical interaction; minimal clinical relevance at typical supplemental doses.
Pregnancy and lactation — avoid due to phytoestrogen activity.

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Frequently asked questions about Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause

What is Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause?

Hop extract from Humulus lupulus (the hop plant, source of beer bittering) is one of the more interesting botanical interventions for menopausal symptoms — uniquely containing 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), often described as one of the most potent naturally-occurring phytoestrogens identified.

What is Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause used for?

Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause is researched primarily for Menopause Support, Bone Health, and Women's Health. Multiple human RCTs of standardized hop extracts have documented significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity vs placebo in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

What is the recommended dosage of Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause?

The clinically studied dose is 100-500 mcg 8-PN equivalents/day; standardized extracts typically 100-200 mg total extract delivering target 8-PN. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated at supplemental doses; mild drowsiness possible (consistent with GABAergic activity). Estrogenic activity is the entire mechanism — those with estrogen-sensitive conditions (breast cancer history, ER+ tumors, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) should avoid… It may also interact with some medications. Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Hormone replacement therapy — additive estrogenic effect; consult prescriber. Tamoxifen / aromatase inhibitors (breast cancer adjuvant therapy) — hop's estrogenic activity may oppose these therapies; avoid with breast cancer history. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus) for Menopause as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Štulíková K, Karabín M, Nešpor J, Dostálek P. Therapeutic Perspectives of 8-Prenylnaringenin, a Potent Phytoestrogen from Hops. Molecules. 2018;23(3):. doi: 10.3390/molecules23030660.PubMedUsed to support: Review of 8-prenylnaringenin, the potent hop phytoestrogen behind Lifenol's use, summarizing its estrogenic activity relevant to menopausal symptoms. Supports the mechanism behind the menopause use.
  2. Bolton JL, Dunlap TL, Hajirahimkhan A, Mbachu O, Chen SN, Chadwick L, Nikolic D, van Breemen RB, Pauli GF, Dietz BM. The Multiple Biological Targets of Hops and Bioactive Compounds. Chem Res Toxicol. 2019;32(2):222-233. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00345.PubMedUsed to support: Review of the multiple biological targets of hops and their bioactive compounds, including the estrogenic 8-prenylnaringenin. Background for the women's-health and menopause uses.
  3. Bowe J, Li XF, Kinsey-Jones J, Heyerick A, Brain S, Milligan S, O'Byrne K. The hop phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin, reverses the ovariectomy-induced rise in skin temperature in an animal model of menopausal hot flushes. J Endocrinol. 2006;191(2):399-405. doi: 10.1677/joe.1.06919.PubMedUsed to support: Study showing the hop phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin reversed the rise in skin temperature in an ovariectomy (hot-flash) model. Mechanistic support for hops easing menopausal hot flashes.
  4. Overk CR, Guo J, Chadwick LR, Lantvit DD, Minassi A, Appendino G, Chen SN, Lankin DC, Farnsworth NR, Pauli GF, van Breemen RB, Bolton JL. In vivo estrogenic comparisons of Trifolium pratense (red clover) Humulus lupulus (hops), and the pure compounds isoxanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin. Chem Biol Interact. 2008;176(1):30-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2008.06.005.PubMedUsed to support: In vivo comparison confirming hops (via 8-prenylnaringenin) has estrogenic activity alongside red clover. Supports the phytoestrogen basis for the menopause use.