Updated 4/25/24. Clinically tested Amberen touted as the “#1 menopause supplement,” is said to provide relief from 12 menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, low sex drive, mood swings, sleeplessness, and weight gain, among others. It's said to work for any stage of menopause, and it's even been endorsed by US Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton. It sounds great, but does Amberen really work? This review covers the research on Amberen, the results of those clinical trials, the ingredients, problems, and possible side effects, and how to get a refund if you feel Ambern is not working for you.
What Is The Amberen Menopause Supplement?
Amberen is a dietary supplement touted to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and mood swings. The product website (Amberen.com) says the supplement “naturally restores hormonal balance by relieving hot flashes, boosting energy, and providing comfort for many effects of menopause, safely and effectively.”
Amberen works differently than hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead of replacing hormones, this supplement is touted to support the body as it makes its own hormones again. This, in turn, is said to ease symptoms of menopause. The Amberen website is very specific that Amberen is not hormone replacement therapy. It does not contain estrogen, progesterone, or other steroid hormones.
Unlike other menopause supplements that may contain bioidentical hormones or soy, Amberen does not have these ingredients.
Let's now examine the ingredients in Amberen and the menopause research on those ingredients, followed by the research on Amberen itself.
Amberen Benefits
From the Amberen company website, we learn this supplement is touted to help menopausal and premenopausal women in the following areas:
hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low energy and fatigue, sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, menopausal headaches and stress, lack of sexual interest, muscle and joint aches, and menopausal weight gain.
Amberen Ingredients
According to Amberen.com 2 capsules contain 400 mg of the following ingredients:
- Ammonium succinate (key ingredient)
- Calcium disuccinate
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Glycine
- Magnesium disuccinate
- Zinc disuccinate hydrate
- Tocopherol acetate
In this list, the ingredients at the top make up most of the product, while those at the end make up the least. For example, since ammonium succinate is the first ingredient, it makes up most of the 400 mg dose of Amberen. Keep that ingredient in mind as it comes up in the Amberen clinical research studies, summarized below.
Other Ingredients
The package of the product also lists these other ingredients:
- Gelatin
- Rice flower
- Magnesium stearate
- Silicon dioxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Riboflavin
- Carmine (a food coloring)
- Water
These ingredients play no role in the effects or benefits of this supplement.
Let's take a brief look at each ingredient separately.
Ammonium Succinate
This is the main key ingredient in Amberen. It's also called succinate acid, and another name for it is “amber acid.” This is obviously where the supplement gets its name from. Succinic acid was first obtained from amber.
The Amberen.com website calls ammonium succinate a “Mitochondrial antioxidant” that blocks free radicals from doing damage. Mitochondria are a hot topic in anti-aging research. Oxidative damage to the mitochondria seems to play a role in aging. Fixing mitochondria dysfunction, some say can help slow aging. For more on this, see the reviews on:
The website also says, “ammonium succinate promotes the elimination of toxic by-products.” While they don't say what those toxic byproducts are, my guess is they may be talking about free radicals.
Calcium Disuccinate
This is another name for the mineral calcium. The addition of calcium to this supplement makes sense, given that low calcium levels seem to increase PMS symptoms. The calcium might also help offset bone loss that often accompanies menopause. There isn't a lot of calcium in Amberen, and that's probably good, as calcium supplements have been controversial because of side effects.
Monosodium Glutamate
Of all the ingredients in Amberen, this one seemed to garner the most attention by women commenting below. Some complained the monosodium glutamate (MSG) caused them to have side effects if they were sensitive to it.
On Amberen.com, they call this ingredient “Monosodium L-glutamate,” maybe as a way to diffuse the controversy. They also link to the FDA website, which says it's safe.
The company website says that only a small amount of MSG is used in Amberen in part to help “mitochondrial-benzodiazepine receptors.” Benzodiazepines are a class of medications (ex: Valium) that reduce anxiety. So it sounds like they are saying the MSG helps to calm women down by binding to the benzodiazepine receptors on the mitochondria.
Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid (non-essential amino acid, meaning we make this in our body). The product website says glycine is used to help the mitochondria in the brain work better, which in turn, helps improve “psycho-emotional balance.”
Some evidence suggests that glycine may help memory in both young and middle-aged adults. Since some women report memory problems with menopause, this may be another reason why glycine was added to the product. Some evidence suggests anti-aging effects too.
Glylcine & Memory
Watch my youtube channel if you prefer
Glycine also assists with the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Glycine is part of of the GlyNac supplement combination which has been studied for its possible anti-aging effects. Here is a review of GlyNac research
Watch on my YouTube channel
Magnesium Disuccinate
This magnesium is bound to succinic acid. A few studies have shown that magnesium might help PMS symptoms like fluid weight gain and mood changes.
Zinc Disuccinate Hydrate
This is the mineral zinc bound to succinic acid. As the product website states correctly, zinc does a lot of different things in the body. Zinc deficiency is rare for most people living in the US. The RDA for zinc is 8 mg/day in women.
Tocopherol Acetate
This is vitamin E. At least one study noted that vitamin E did not help hot flashes, while other studies show it does help hot flashes. Because it's an antioxidant, vitamin E is sometimes added to supplements to help reduce spoilage.
Amberen Clinical Research & Proof
Amberen is said to have 45 years of clinical research. This is true if you go back to 1971 and count the lab animal research. Much of the early research was not on Amberen, though (it wasn't around in 1971), but rather succinic acid. Succinic acid is the key ingredient in Amberen. Many of the studies are listed on Amberen.com but I located others that were not.
Here is a breakdown of the Amberen research:
2019 Study
This paper is a review article that combines the results of two previous clinical trials. After pooling the results of both studies, the authors concluded that there was evidence for Ambern helping reduce menopause symptoms.
2016 Study
This investigation was conducted in Russia, lasted three months, and involved 125 women aged 42-60 years of age. It was a placebo-controlled double-blind study (the best kind) sponsored by The Amberen company.
The women either took a placebo or Amberen. Women completed questionnaires before and after treatment. Those showed Amberen eased 13 out of 21 menopause symptoms. In other words, 62% of menopause symptoms tested showed improvements. Menopause symptoms that Amberen improved included night sweats, feelings of depression, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, loss of libido, and lack of energy.
In addition, blood tests also noted Amberen significantly raised estrogen levels. Estrogen in women taking Ambern almost doubled, rising from 34 pg/ml to 66 mg/ml after 90 days. The women taking Amberen also saw improvements in body weight and waist circumference too. More specifically
- Body weight declined by 4%
- Body mass index declined by 4%
- Waist circumference was reduced by 3.6%
These benefits were not seen in women taking placebo pills.
In another paper published that year, the benefits of succinic acid are discussed. All the authors of that paper were scientific advisors for Lunada Biomedical – the company which makes Amberen.
2008 Study
In this study, Russian researchers noted the key ingredient in Amberen reversed menopause symptoms in rats. Amberen was given to older mice for 4 weeks. Amberen treatment was noted to improve several menopausal symptoms in the mice. The study was supported by Lunada Biomedical, the company which makes the supplement.
This study also exists under another name: A Succinate-Based Composition ”Rejuvenates” Aging Mice and Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms in Women Without Sex Hormone Replacement Therapy. It is also a Russian investigation and is published in another medical journal. Regardless, it's still a mouse study.
Amberen Clinical Studies Review Video
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer.
2005 Study
This investigation involved 70 women who were given Amberen or a placebo for three weeks. It was reported that after just three weeks, the women taking Amberen showed significant improvements in insomnia, feelings of depression and anxiety, and irritability. These benefits were not seen in women taking placebo pills.
2004 Study
The Amberen.com site lists a 3-year observational study involving 245 women. While they say Amberen was safe and effective. Unfortunately, they don't say where the study was published so I cannot comment on it.
The 4-Week Animal Study
At one time, the Lunada Biomedical website listed a 4-week study of older mice. No details were given about this study, but it sounds similar to the 2008 Amberen mice studies mentioned above. Might it be the same?
The 6-Week Animal Study
Again, the Amberen website gives no details about this study other than that Amberen was given to older female mice for 6 weeks and it helped them.
Even though the company that makes the product is based in the US, Many of the studies were conducted in Russia.
My Thoughts On The Amberen Research
Here are a few thoughts on the Amberen Research:
- Most of the studies appear to be conducted in Russia. This makes sense as I believe a Russian scientist first patented the method of making succinic acid.
- Some research findings are interesting, such as Amberen, which may raise estrogen levels, help mood, and maybe even help weight loss. The research needs to be replicated to confirm these findings.
- Lunada Biomedical supports research on succinic acid and Amberen. There's no problem with this as long as they don't play roles in the outcomes of the investigations. From what I can see, all appears to be ok in this regard.
- Several early studies have been conducted on lab animals.
Most research is on lab animals. I located only two human investigations. They were conducted in 2005 and 2016.
Where To Buy Amberen
Amberen Research Review Video
Here's a short video I created to help you better understand the evidence and claims of Amberen and how its supposed to work:
Who Makes Amberen?
The active ingredient in Amberen is patented. The patent number is US8546611B2. Originally, the company that made this supplement was called Lunada Biomedica. They were subsequently purchased by another company called BioGix, which was eventually gobbled up by yet another company called Alliance Pharma Inc. (alliancepharmaceuticals.com). That company is located in the United Kingdom at:
Avonbridge House
Bath Road
Chippenham
Wiltshire, UK
SN15 2BB
The Alliance Pharmaceuticals company represents many other familiar brands such as:
- Anbesol
- Forceval
- Hyddromol
- MucuShield
While the parent company is located in the UK, Amberen is manufactured and encapsulated in the US, using ingredients from around the world. To contact a Nurse Aid with questions about Amberen, call the company call at 800-222-3304. Another contact number is 800-993-6339.
Amberen And The FTC
- stop marketing the supplement for weight loss
- stop misrepresenting the results of studies
- stop non-disclosure of financial relationships with some endorsers
Contact Amberen
- Order Amberen: 800-993-6339
- Customer Care: 800-222-3304
- NurseAid: 800-211- 8021
Amberen Questions
1 Is It Vegan?
It's not vegan, but it is vegetarian. Because the capsules contain gelatin, it's technically not “vegan.”
2 How Much Should You Take?
It's recommended to take 2 capsules (1 white and 1 orange capsule) per day after breakfast. It may take 90 days before you notice differences taking effect.
3 Is it All-Natural?
In the US, “natural” and “all-natural” really don't have official definitions, so anybody can use them to say just about anything. Amberen.com states that while the ingredients are synthesized, they are bioidentical to how the compounds look in nature.
4 Can You Take It On An Empty Stomach?
I'm unaware of any evidence that says you can't do this but the product website says to take it with food. My guess is this is to reduce the chances of GI discomfort (no proof of this, though. It's a guess).
5 Over 45 Years of Clinical Research. Really?
Sort of, yes. Sort of no. The claim that Amberen has been used for over 45 years is based on taking into consideration the research on the key ingredient – succinic acid. That said, the supplement – Amberen – has not been around that long. Much of the research on succinic acid was done in the 1970s and much of that was not conducted in humans.
6 Where is Amberen Made?
The website doesn't specifically give the location except to say it's at a facility in Southern California and that they use globally sourced ingredients (from all over the world). Much of the research on this supplement comes from Russia.
7 Does It Have Soy?
No. there is no soy, black cohosh, maca, or other herbs
8 Does Amberen Contain Estrogen?
No. The supplement contains no estrogen or other hormones.
Amberen Guarantee
To get a full refund, the company website states the returned item must be “postmarked by the 60th day from your purchase date. To get a return label call the company at (800) 222-3304 and they will email you a return label. All returns are to be shipped to PO Box 10452 Van Nuys, CA-91410. There is only 1 refund issued per household.
How To Speak To A Nurse
To speak to a nurse, call 800-211-8012. The nurses featured on the supplement website are Holly D who is an RN and Marcy L who is a VN (vocational nurse). On the website, they call the nurses “NurseAid” and “Nurse Aid Agents.” They can help answer questions about the supplement but cannot give medical advice.
Amberen Side Effects
Is Amberen safe? For the vast majority of women, I feel it's safe. None of the original clinical studies reported bad side effects.
As you read the comments below, you'll notice some women have said they developed headaches after taking Amberen. Could that be due to the MSG or something else? The good news is this side effect seems to be very rare. Here are some general things to consider when taking this dietary supplement. This list is not complete:
While the product is likely very safe, here are some things to consider.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond.
- Discontinue use and consult your doctor if you have any adverse reactions.
- Stop taking the product at least two weeks before having surgery.
- Speak to your doctor first if you had a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. This caution is on the supplement website.
- The supplement is not intended for women who are not going through menopause or pre-menopause.
- The supplement should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Speak to your doctor/pharmacist first if you take any prescription medications.
- Women who have headache issues should talk to their doctor.
One disturbing report seems to link the Amberen to a heart problem called spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) a very serious medical condition. The report describes what happened to one woman, so it's difficult to know if the supplement caused this condition or not.
The supplement website site also says “Do not take if you have severe hypertension.” The company does not give a reason for this caution. Could this be related to the MSG which appears to raise blood pressure? When in doubt, call the company for more insights.
Amberen & Carol Nicholson
At one time, Carol Nicholson (Carol Nicholson-Kriegel), a registered nurse, was often heard in the radio commercials for this supplement. Carol was identified on the company website as “our menopause expert”. In addition to being a registered nurse, she also owns an advertising agency called International Marketing Company. Today, however, Carol is not found on the Lunada Biomedical website. Olympic athlete Mary Lou Retton also once appeared on the website, giving her testimonial after using the supplement for 90 days.
Amberen vs. Estroven
| Amberen 2 capsules | Estroven 1 caplet |
|---|---|
| Ammonium succinate | Total carbs <1g |
| Calcium disuccinate | Calcium (dicalcium phosphate) 90 mg (10%DV) |
| Monosodium Glutamate | Black cohosh root extract 80mg |
| Glycine | Soy isoflavones 60 mg |
| Magnesium disuccinate | Green tea leaf extract 100 mg |
| Zinc disuccinate hydrate | Yerba mate leaf extract 30 mg |
| Tocopherol acetate | Magnolia bark extract 15 mg |
What Is RU-21?
If you read through the testimonials below, you will see women saying that an anti-hangover supplement called RU-21 helped their hot flashes. Two capsules of RU21 contain 200 mg of succinic acid.
I have no idea if it helps hangovers (or hot flashes) but RU-21 is less expensive than Amberen. While I can't guarantee that it will work for everybody:
for those who are interested.
Does Amberen Work?
Several animal studies and some human clinical studies suggest Ameren may help ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sweating, low energy, and night sweats. Some of the testimonials below also reinforce this. If Amberen really works, it might be due to succinic acid, which is likely the active ingredient. While I'd like to see more human research, the fact remains that clinical studies on Amberen do exist, and this sets the supplement apart from many of its counterparts.
I am 44 and in the very early stages of peri-menopause and I am having irregular periods (about 2 a month). I have been taking Amberen for 1 month, and I feel less bloated, but I have been spotting for over a week now and wondering if my full period is coming.. I am also experiencing more gas and sometimes diarrhea. I don’t know if these are side effects of Amberen.
Marina, try getting off of Amberen for a week or so to see if the symptoms go away.
Thanks for all the comments, I have been struggling wit these issues for several years now. My cousin is having good luck with Amberen, so that is why I am researching it. Want to try RU-21, but with the recent meningitis scare with the compounding facility in MA, I am wondering if it’s possible to get more info on where and how the products are made. I’m now nervous about taking supplements that don’t go thru the oversight process.
Anne Marie, great question! I looked at their website and it didnt give much info about where RU21 is made. I only saw this contact information Spirit Sciences USA, Inc. TEL: 310.568.1030. I didnt see a specific address. Give them a call and ask. let me know what you turn up.
Day 5 on Amberen, My hot flashes are so few, that when I have one, I wonder if I am just hot and not Flashing! lol…..
I am in no way affiliated with this company, I just wanted to let everyone know that it really is working for me!
I see many posts on how people are mixing this and trying that because of cost, but in my eyes, I would rather leave it to the Chemist with or without Trial Studies. After all is said and done, the cost is the least of my worries, especially when it is working for me. I would pay much more to get relief from this menopause thing!
Today is my 3rd day on Amberen and I have had only 1 hot flash so far today. By now I would have had at least 4 to 5! So far so good. Feeling good, more energy too! I can’t believe it is working so fast. I even noticed when I do have a hot flash, it doesn’t last as long! Thank-The Good Lord for Relief!
I just purchased Hemogenics from ebay, it’s a little cheaper than the RU-21. I’ll give review after a couple of weeks.
Wow, so many different opinions and such. I just turned 50 in Aug. and have been going full steam through Menopause. I get 10 to 15 Hot-flashes a day and become very dizzy afterward, night-sweats, grouchy, tired and heart palpitations. You name it, I got it. I can not go on any longer. I have no idea how women can continue through this without help?
I had a Blood Clot after a knee reconstruction in 1990 so I can not go on HRT’s because of this. I have tried Black-CoHash with some relief, but not enough.
I heard about Amberen on talk radio, so I was so there. Got my package in the mail on Saturday, so I will keep ya up-dated. I DID NOT get this product to lose weight, only to help with the menopausal symptoms, and if I do lose weight all the better!
Hello all,
I’m interested in the succinic acid for hot flashes as well as the possible nice side effect of weight loss. I think that everyone is different, so one person may experience something that another doesn’t- we’ll see. I had to order it through a friend in the US & they are shipping it to me in AU.
In the meantime- I thought I’d pass along something else to try- natural, no chemicals. I bought a liquid detox program from the chemist here. I have been reading that a lot of women going into menopause can suffer from adrenal fatigue. That might also explain the weight gain. Detoxing supposedly helps to relieve stress from the adrenal gland allowing it to rest & recover. You also have a senna tea which helps with regularity.
The detox I’m using is basically tree syrup/oil (like a mix of palm & maple for energy), lemon juice, water, & a pinch of cayenne – 2 litres per day. I really haven’t been hungry. I drink plenty of water, as well. Which leads me to item 2-
Diatomaceous earth. Google it. I now keep a water container with about 1-2 inches of DE at the bottom & fill it. The water remains cloudy but has no taste. I just refill as I drink it. I’m at the end of my detox (doing 10 days) so I started to add Ultramuscleze (magnesium + other good stuff) once a day to one glass of DE. You can also mix the DE directly into water & drink it (I do that too, but have to strain out the larger particles).
Previous to starting the detox, I recently quit smoking (more weight gain) & I stopped all caffeine when I started detox. I did have a headache the next day- but it didn’t last (caffeine withdrawal, I believe).
I am 7 days into the detox, 4 days into the DE, & have lost quite a bit of weight (including about half of my “6 months pregnant” belly). I don’t have a scale, but I can fit back into my smaller clothes. My night sweats are nearly gone. I have regained my energy & focus. I literally had no energy just last week & could not seem to hone in on anything. I had blood work done about two weeks ago that showed an ok thyroid- and I’m trying something natural vs. going to someone to test for adrenals. I feel good enough now to start my exercise routine again- which I have been doing since day 2.
Anyway, so far, so good. I can get up out of bed in the morning- jump right up- no aches (my hips, lower back were killing me before too). My hair actually seems to have stopped falling out in clumps, as well. I though I’d pass this along to anyone willing to try something natural before getting on that big pharmaceutical treadmill where they start prescribing pills for the pills…yuck.
The other part about the detox is that it can supposedly (in tandem with the DE) rapidly reduce high blood pressure & cholesterol.
This isn’t a commercial- lol. It sounds like it as I just re-read it. All I know is the effect on me. Good luck & I’ll post again when I start taking the RU-21. Cheers!
On your detox. What are you eating?
I’ve taken Amberen for one and a half cycles. I found it works great for the hot flashes, which is the only reason I bought it. But, I have to take it every day. I stopped after the first 90 days and the hot flashes were back within 3 days. I am also taking it because I can’t take any HRT, black cohosh or soy because I had estrogen receptor positive breast cancer last year so can’t take anything that’s estrogenic. My oncologist looked at the ingredients and said none of them would hurt me. I may look at the RU 21, but for now I’m happy with Amberen.
I am just ending my 2nd 90 cycle cycle of Amberen. I can tell you this for sure – it does stop the hot flashes, for that I am thankful. As for the claims of Amberen that it helps you lose “a lot of weight” and “stubborn belly fat” well all that is just hogwash and poppycock in my opinion!
I have not lost a single pound (or inch) on this supplement – I don’t really sleep any better either, but I can honestly say I do not have hot flashes with this supplement, and the hot flashes stay gone for about 4 months after finishing a 90 day cycle of this product. For weight loss – diet and exercise – don’t rely on this product for weight loss – you will be disappointed.
Debbie, thanks for your insights – and for the confirmation on the so called weight loss effects. I’ve thought from the start that the makers of Amberen had lost their minds trying to pass it off as a weight loss supplement.
After reading about succinic acid being the main ingredient in Amberen, I bought some on iherb .com dirt cheap and, though I didn’t really lose weight, I did find some perimenopause symptoms were relieved.
Now, I cannot find it anywhere. It has been discontinued on iherb.com and the company that made it, Nutracology, has expunged it from their web site completely.
I am very suspicious that the makers of Amberen are behind this, unless they have been forced to change their formulation because of the unavailability of succinic acid.
Just thought I’d let you know, since I found the information on your site very helpful when researching supplements.
Gina thanks and yes I did check Iherb also and noticed that the succinic acid product you mentioned was discontinued. I did see the anti-hangover supplement RU-21 though (it has succinic acid too) which some people say seems to help with menopause symptoms.
I’d like to thank Chris for taking the time to give such a detailed rundown of her “run-down”.
I feel like I have the same sort of thing happening- the pre-menopause, the fog, weight gain, horrible night sweats (so no sleep), etc…and have just had blood taken to look at thyroid. The Dr. mentioned adrenal fatigue as a possible cause as I had/have been in a very stressful situation for a few years now.
I’m in Australia & have asked friends to order & send RU-21. Hopefully, it isn’t kicked out at customs…I’m really hopeful that it will do for me what it appears to do for others. As I start out, I’ll be extra sure to take doses religiously, every day, as has been stated here. All of the supplements Chris noted were also the ones I’ve found recommended through online research.
If/when I get the RU-21 & start my own therapy, I’ll be sure to write back with the results (good or not-so-good). Wish me luck.
Hi Joe,
Regarding the clinical study for Amberen and what scared me: I bought the product and am taking it. My biggest concern was the lack of information on the clinical study that is available. Typically, when a company conducts a clinical trial it’s to prove safety first then efficacy. This also implies that the company is going to file with the FDA, not as a nutritional supplement but as a non-hormonal treatment for menopause.
It’s obvious the company spends a lot of money on advertising but there is little information available to back up their claims and yet they use this in their marketing materials. It looked sketchy. I have access to several resources that the medical community uses and I really had to dig to find information and you’re right, the clinical study was based on an active ingredient (succinic acid), not Amberen.
It was a very small, short term study, did not give dosing information or long term study results. The clinical trial was conducted in Russia, first in rats then in human and this is what they base all of their claims on. I have no issue with international studies, it is standard protocol for many drugs that are approved in the U.S. as long as the clinical data backs up their findings.
What I found after researching succinic acid and the rest of the active ingredients the product is safe. This is a nutritional supplement, not a drug yet we are led to believe by their advertising statements and I quote “is an effective, all-natural solution for common menopause symptoms. Amberen is the only product clinically proven to promote weight loss during menopause without additional exercise or restrictive dieting. And with the 92.6% satisfaction rate” we are confident it will work for you!
But, will it… Here’s my own case study.
I am in the throws of peri-menopause and didn’t figure this out until August. I’ve been treated by naturopath for a year+. I was led to believe I had adrenal fatigue from high stress and burnout. I’ve been taking DHEA (10mg) and progesterone cream and Seriphos plus high doses of Vitamin B complex, D3, Fish oil supplements to treat the fatigue and “horrible” brain fog.
In August I started getting hot flashes and night sweats. I realized I was misdiagnosed and started working with new ND and actively researched my treatment options. If menopause is individual and personalized for each woman then I would find out what works for me.
Natural options time to work. I won’t take HRT, remember it’s personalized, so there’s my personal choice. After taking so darn many supplements, treating adrenal fatigue syndrome (burnout) for 8 months with no relief, my patience is non-existent, my business is suffering and I am desperate for relief.
I prioritized which symptom was worst, and in order targeted my research on treatment options for each symptom. Here is magic formula that has worked for me:
Amberen – for the first 30-days, I double up the dose then scaled back to the recommended dosing. You must be consistent and take it every morning. If you are sensitive to MSG, it will give you headaches. My results were significant finding it balances my blood sugar and has helped with memory and it works fast, within 2 weeks.
Probiotic with acidophilus ExtraFlora 50B CFU from Wholehealth.com boosts my immune system, which helps with inflammation, increases serotonin which helps with sleep and B12 production.
Maca 1000mg to 1500mg and Black Cohosh 80mg have significantly relieved brain fog and exhaustion/energy. I take these in the AM otherwise they disturb my sleep.
Evening Primrose Oil daily and Fish oil at night has helped my skin breakouts on my chin. Both have cardiovascular and inflammation benefits.
For sleep I’ve found Melatonin or Rescue Remedy Sleep and a warm bath with lots of Epsom salt works great. On nights when I’m really exhausted and nothing works Valerian does the trick. It can be habit forming so I only take it when I need it. I’ve added some to my bath water and that really works.
I work out daily and am very active – I have for years. This is why I thought I had AFS, which I may, I think perimenopause is the culprit. If you want to keep the weight off you have to burn more calories than you are consuming.
I reviewed my saliva tests and found that my cortisol levels were highest late at night which can be dangerous if not managed. I went back on Seriphos that I took to support my adrenals and found that it helps lower cortisol – translation it will help you lose weight. You lower your cortisol levels and you will lose belly fat. Nice benefit. Yes, it works. Be very careful, you can take this for 90-days maximum then you have to give your body a break. Do your research!!!
There is a great book by Susan S. Weed called “New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way”. She covers everything you can imagine and gives you options, explaining alternatives for you.
Results to date – I no longer have night sweats. My hot flashes are so minimal they don’t bother me at all. The critical symptoms that led me to my own research and treatment are brain drain, exhaustion, burnout, tired all of the time, high stress, no energy is now manageable. I am back to 85%.
I started with this treatment approach over Labor Day weekend and it is working for me! I noticed when I started taking Amberen and doubling up, initially, then scaling back to the recommended dose, my symptoms went away.
I think the combination works for me, because Maca, Black Cohosh treat base levels of energy, exhaustion, brain fog and Seriphos resolves the cortisol imbalance; Probiotics, Vitamins/Minerals and EFA’s support my body since I probably wasn’t absorbing enough from my diet. I have always maintained a healthy diet but I know I wasn’t getting enough nutrients.
All I can say is do your own research, find what works for you then stick with it. That’s the magic bullet, stay consistent once you find a formula that works for you. I, personally, like Amberen and believe some component in their active ingredients works with my body chemistry.
I don’t want to cut something out, now that I’ve found a balance. If the symptoms start to flare up, I’ll readdress my options. Good luck everyone, I hope this helps.
Chris,yes it DID help thanks! Glad its working for you too.
I found this website after seeing the Amberin commercials. Looking for succinic acid or RU21, I was in Whole Foods and ended up buying “Transitions” herbal supplement for menopause…something else altogether.
After 1+ bottle I felt I was gaining weight so quit immediately. Today I’m starting RU21.
Joe, do you have any suggestions as to how much to take? I’ve started with one in the morning and one at night. Also, I’d appreciate followup from others who’ve started it. I will do the same. Thank you.
Anna Marie, Im not sure but maybe the ladies who are trying RU-21 have some idea of how much how much helped their menopause symptoms. I would say start with less than is recommended for the first week, just to see how you respond.
I’m about 1/3 of the way through the third package. While (as someone noted above) I haven’t lost weight (nothing is that easy people…diet and exercise are still your best friend in that arena!), I have experienced a significant decrease in hot flashes and night sweats.
I’ve also gotten rid of the ankle swelling that I’d had for the last couple of years. Hard to say whether it’s due to the Amberen or not, but if it is, I’m very appreciative.
A succinate-based composition reverses menopausal symptoms without sex hormone replacement therapy.
Maevsky EI, Peskov AB
Abstract: Menopausal transition is often accompanied by a variety of adverse pathological symptoms, currently treated with hormone replacement therapy, which is associated with a number of health risks. This report investigated the role of a food supplement–a composition of energy-exchange metabolites, with succinate as the main component–for treating menopausal syndrome. We studied the impact of a 4-week succinate-based food composition (SBC) treatment on the estral cycle, and bone mass and calcium content of aging mice. The impact of SBC on hormone levels and on the progression of several neurovegetative and psycho-emotional symptoms was further investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of early menopausal women. Data were collected from questionnaires, Kupperman index scores, Spielberger-Hanin tests, and blood analysis of hormone levels taken at baseline and throughout the 5-week study. A “rejuvenating” effect of SBC on menopausal animals was observed, expressed as restoration of the estral cycle and an increase in the weight and calcium content of bone tissue. Furthermore, in the randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study in menopausal women, SBC-based monotherapy significantly lowered most subjectively evaluated characteristics of menopausal syndrome and increased blood serum levels of estradiol fourfold. This monotherapy also alleviated symptoms of some neurovegetative and psycho-emotional disorders, such as hot flushes, headache, and anxiety. Succinate-based therapy alleviated many biochemical symptoms of menopause in aging mice and early menopausal women, as well as neurovegetative and psycho-emotional disorders in women. Succinate-based therapy appeared to be free of adverse side effects.
When I first read information on this blog on the clinical studies for Amberen it scared the heck out of me. I work in the biotech industry so I don’t take this lightly. I decided to do my own research and here’s what I found so far:
Eugene I. Maevsky is a prominent Russian physician and biochemist. He is the Russian scientist who created Amberen. His main areas of specialization include: hypoxic conditions, physiology of adaptations to extreme conditions and environments (hypoxia, ischemia, hibernation, extreme physical exercises). His awards include the Russian State Prize, the Mechnikov Medal “For Contributions to Preservation of National Health” (2000), and the “Calling” Award (2002), presented by the Ministry of Health for fundamental contributions to health research.
Mayevsky is the principal inventor of Perftoran, a blood substitute, one of only three recognized artificial blood substitutes on the world market.
He was also one of the principal developers of Amberen, a succinate-based compound used for treatment of symptoms of menopause.
He currently serves as a Deputy Director of Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences.
Chris, Appreciate your research! Curious. What scared you so much about the Amberen studies? Just curious.
Just wanted to let everyone know I received a very speedy refund when I sent the 2 sealed boxes back. They probably refunded the same day they received it or the next day. So I am happy about that.
I have been reading your blog and am confused. What is
RU-21 the only thing i can find is a pill that helps for hangovers- what does that have to do with menopause conditions? Am I missing something?
Thanks
Simply me, not at all, let me try to explain whats going on… When I reviewed Amberen, I noted that the research – all of it – was conducted on only a single ingredient called succinic acid. I therefore claimed that succinic acid was the main ingredient in Amberen that worked. There is no research on Amerben itself – the research is only on succinic acid and menopause symptoms.
After that, women reported that they were having trouble finding a succinic acid supplement. After some searching, they then said that they found succinic acide listed in another product called RU-21. RU-21 is marketed to help hangovers. I don’t know if it helps hangovers or not but RU-21 has succinic acid. So some women, who don’t want to pay all the money for Amberen are opting to try RU-21 instead.
Hope that clears things up.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback and have read every comment. I want to share my experience in hopes that it will help someone else.
I just broke the plastic seal on the next 2 boxes of Amberen. I feel wonderful. I have had low blood sugar for as long as I can remember and started perimenopause a couple of years ago.
I feel more confident and less irritable. I feel a little bit more energetic. I have not experienced any weight loss and don’t expect to until I start a regular exercise routine.
The hot flashes associated with perimenopause have ceased after the first month and my blood sugar has stabilized.
I also have a condition called PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome) and would like feedback from anyone else that knows of natural herbs to treat symptoms associated with this.
I saw the doctor a few weeks ago and my blood pressure has dropped. It used to be 122/82 and is now 112/70.
I understand that not every supplement works for everyone and I sure hope that everyone can find the right combination for them.
Thanks for the research Joe!
I took Amberen for about 6 weeks. I didnt notice any effects good or bad and I was mainly taking it for weight loss. I went to my doctor with symptoms of severe arm weakness, numbness and tingling and general malaise. She did blood tests and my CPK was over 1700. Normal CPK is less than 200.
I went on to have a full work up for all normal possible causes of elevated CPK including a trip to the ER as recommended by two doctors who were treating me and were alarmed at how elevated my CPK was. I suspected the Amberen may be causing the problem and noticed that one of the women taking it experienced similar symptoms in her legs.
I had repeat blood work about 10 days after I stopped taking the amberen and everything was normal and my symptoms are gone. I have been an RN for 25 yrs and am normally very healthy. I am sure that the Amberen caused this problem.