Red Clover

Red clover may help to relieve the symptoms of menopause. This herbal supplement contains phytoestrogens, which are chemically similar to estrogen. Although some small studies have shown that red clover may be effective at relieving menopause symptoms, there is not enough evidence to confirm this. Red clover is a "natural" product, but side effects are still possible and may include nausea, headaches, and rashes.

 

What Is Red Clover?

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an herbal supplement often used for natural menopause relief. It is also claimed to be beneficial for treating other conditions, such as high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
 
(Click Benefits of Red Clover for more information on what red clover is used for.)
 

How Does Red Clover Work?

Red clover contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that are similar to estrogen. Phytoestrogens (also known as isoflavones) are chemically similar to estrogen, which is probably why they have estrogen-like effects. In women with low estrogen levels (such as postmenopausal women), phytoestrogens act like weak estrogens. This is why, theoretically, red clover may work to relieve the symptoms of menopause or to treat osteoporosis (as estrogen helps maintain bone density).
 
In women with normal estrogen levels (most premenopausal women), phytoestrogens may have anti-estrogenic effects (as they can bind to estrogen receptors, but are weaker than regular estrogens).
 

Is Red Clover Effective?

There is not enough evidence to recommend red clover for treating menopause symptoms or any other use. Although some small studies have suggested that it may be effective for menopause treatment, other larger studies have shown it to be ineffective.
 
(Click Does Red Clover Work? for more information.)
 

Red Clover Dosing Information

Even though there is little information available about the best way to dose herbal supplements (compared to prescription or non-prescription medications), some general dosing information can be obtained from the few studies conducted on red clover.
 
(Click Red Clover Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Red Clover

Many people believe that "natural" products (including red clover) have no side effects. However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Red clover can cause side effects, such as:
 
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Rashes.
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(Click Red Clover Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Red Clover

Red clover may interact with a few other medications or supplements (see Red Clover Drug Interactions).
 

Is Red Clover Safe?

When used at reasonable doses for short periods of time, red clover is probably safe for many people. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies red clover as "generally recognized as safe" when used in small amounts in foods (such as teas or health drinks). However, some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to red clover. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking red clover if you have:
 
  • Cancer (or a history of cancer)
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • A blood clotting disorder
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
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Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medication you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Red Clover Safety for more information, including any available red clover warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Red Clover Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a red clover overdose. If you think you may have taken too much red clover, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Red Clover Overdose for more information.)
 

Red Clover: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual red clover product for information on how best to store red clover. Keep red clover and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;