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.
Hey, Joe and everyone else — I’ve gotta tell you guys that I’ve just completed my first month of the Ameren. I only took one day’s dose of the second month and have decided to stop it. I believe it’s made me GAIN weight. The last month, the weight has been piling on – and I’m really freaked out about it, so I quit. I need to lose 15 lbs.
I think I’m going to do some more research on vitamin therapy, etc. I actually prefer natural products over synthetic pharmaceuticals. So, although at 2 weeks I was excited about the Amberen, I’m feeling quite disappointed right now. Think I’ll do some more research on the RU21. I need some help!
Happy New Year!
Please share if you find anything.
Supplements promoted as really really awesome stuff, for whatever, but some people have odd reactions to.
Remember when Saw Palmetto was promoted for helping women grow larger breasts?
YEah—it can—right along with the rest of the body fattening up with the breasts!
Only ONE very old homeopathic reference book I found, described Saw Palmetto as being used for those with wasting diseases…”to pack flesh on”….which it does, nicely.
I took therapeutic doses of Lipoic Acid, Rx’d by the Doc, and blimped up like a beached whale.
NONE can figure why that happened–I can only guess it is sourced from something like a Saw Palmetto plant…though no one else seemed to ever have heard of that effect.
Along those lines, most supplements have fillers: many fillers are intended as flow agents or similar…yet, they have the effect of blocking absorption of the ingredients the user wants–both pharmaceuticals and supplements.
So, no way to really know what ingredients in Amberen might do to some, but not all, users.
Kind think we live in something of a guinea pig world.
Chi, the idea of being a guinea pig with some supplements is truer than a lot of people realize especially for things that pop up out of nowhere.
Wish I could “like” your comments! 😀 Thanks guys …
Ramona, I will look into that. Its a good idea 🙂
I tried Amberen for just over a month. I continued to gain wait and after the first month started feeling fatigued. I doubled up taking Amberen for a few days and then decided to quit because the fatigue was increasing and I was still gaining weight.
The fatigue continued for about a month. I was surfing videos on youtube and a video about extreme fatigue popped up so I decided to watch it. It was a video about underactive thyroid and I had almost all of the symptoms.
I had my thyroid tested and at first my doctor was very skeptical. But after my test results came back, she very humbly announced that I had self diagnosed myself and I did have an under-active thyroid. I’ve been on synthroid for about a month now and my fatigue is gone now. I still haven’t dropped the weight but I have stopped gaining weight.
I don’t know if the thyroid problem would have come about anyway or if Amberen had something to do with it. The back of the Amberen box states that, “Amberen’s ingredients support the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis…” The hypothalamus region of the brain controls the pituitary gland which controls the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes and thyroid gland.
Hope this information helps someone. I would rather live with the hot flashes than that terrifying fatigue. I was afraid that one day I would just stop breathing on my own. It felt like my being awake was the only reason I was breathing.
Sandy, does anybody else in your family have low thyroid problems? Anybody else notice low thyroid with amberen?
Hi Joe,
Yes, I do have a family history of thyroid problems. That is actually one of the “symptoms” they ask you about in the low-thyroid questionnaires. Both my mother and my older sister developed goiters from low thyroid and one side of their thyroid gland was removed. I’ve been tested several times but it always came back “within range of normal function”.
I starting having some difficulty swallowing starting about two years ago and more recently some tenderness on my neck. I was afraid that I had developed a goiter and went in for an examination. Luckily I didn’t have a goiter but they did find the low thyroid function. I had not associated the difficulty swallowing with the low thyroid until I had seen the video.
I didn’t necessarily follow the advice of the video. It was recommending that I buy the doctor’s “iodine tonic”. I did more research and found that we really should not ingest iodine…that it can be poisonous. I found another blog that recommended putting a small amount of iodine in a non-exposed area and wait for it to be absorbed. With a normal thyroid, it should take 24 hours for it to absorb (disappear). If it is less than 24 hours, you may have a low function thyroid. Unfortunately, the only iodine I have been able to find is “clear” so that didn’t work for me.
Sandy, I agree about not using iodine for thyroid problems. Most cases of hypothyroidism are not caused by lack of iodine anyway. your doctor can run a blood test to see if you are low if you are really curious. about the iodine test, yes I was just reading that in the book The Fatigue Solution (a good book I recommend people read). I heard the author (Eva Cwynar), an endocrinologist on XM radio and was so impressed I bought the book when I got home. In fact it was her mention of that test that made me buy her book!
Here is the tincture of iodine I found on Amazon for you. This brand of iodine changes color when put on the skin. One of the commenters even said she used it to test for iodine deficiency 🙂
Joe,
Thanks so much for your information. I think I’ll get a copy of that book also.
I checked the link for the tincture of iodine and one of the comments says it is clear. I’m not sure how the woman is checking her thyroid with it because I’ve tried the clear and I can’t tell when the clear dissolves.
I don’t want to just put the iodine on …just in case I think I need it. Someone stated on that linked website that they put the iodine on to keep their thyroid functioning properly. I would like to caution those thinking about trying the iodine to have your thyroid checked first. Because an overactive thyroid can be dangerous. An overactive thyroid can cause severe dehydration and heart problems.
I go in for followup blood work in about a month so I’ll be able to see if the synthroid dose is working.
Again, thanks for the information.
Sandy, thanks Im going to look into iodine that has color to it. I agree its not good to use iodine topically to support the thyroid. too much thyroid hormone can be a problem also.
Has anybody used Amberen and had their joint pain stop?
Where can you buy Succinic Acid has anybody tried it instead of Amberen?
Janet, if you search the comments you’ll see people talking about a product called RU21 (hangover supplement) that has succinic acid. some have said it helped them.
Try googling “succinic acid supplements”–loads of listings of several kinds…I would be a bit careful about overseas offers. Looked like plenty to choose from though.
I’ve been taking RU-21 since the end of October. I take 2 tablets per day, one in the morning and evening. I’ve stopped having night sweats and hot flashes. I love being able to sleep again!!
I’m curious about the Diatomaceous Earth someone mentioned in an earlier post. Does anyone have any personal experience with it?
Hi Michelle-
I looked back & see no post about this, but wondered if I might have been the one who wrote about it? I’ve been drinking diatomaceous earth for just over a month now. It didn’t do anything for the hot flashes, but it sure did help my hair! Not only did it stop falling out & start growing back in (visibly thicker)- but the actual hair is no longer coming in gray. It is now coming in at the previous blond/brown colour. In fact, I went over eight weeks before dying- where before I was lucky if I could even get to three weeks before the white showed up (especially at the front hairline).
It is nothing short of amazing! And I have a sack of it I bought off of ebay that will last the rest of my life (Permaguard brand is supposed to be the best, but I bought something else here in AU).
WOW! Never heard that of diatomacious earth. I would have thought it such fine, sharp little crystaline bits, it would cause irritation to the gut if used internally??
I have been using MSM dissolved in water, in a mist spry bottle, and applying once or twice a day, to “feed” the hair the sulphur. That has caused some people I know [and self] to get thicker hair growth returning–cannot speak to the color restoration though.
Joe
Back on the regular dose now for 2 weeks and although hot flashes/night sweats came back for several days they have not almost completely subsided. I will say the “uneasy/off” feeling has also subsided too on the lower dose.
I am, however, concerned what will happen when I go off in 4 more weeks. I’ve read some internet comments “beware of insomnia after going off amberen”, compared to withdrawal symptoms. We shall see. I will complete the 3 months (or in my case 2.5 months) regiment.
It is expensive though. And with the other RLS Rx’s I am on may not be able to continue. Will add back the Evening Primrose Oil and iCool if hot flashes, night sweats, etc.. return. The emotional roller coaster is horrific.
My 21 year old son commented this weekend, “Mom why are you always so agitated, anxious, sad, upset and negative.” I’m thinking, well let’s see, sleep deprivation menopause “emotional roller coaster” might have something to do with it…
PJ, I get that way also when I don’t sleep!
Science has proven repeatedly, that sleep deprivaton is literally “crazy-making”.
That also goes for having to work rotatin or changable shifts, which causes sleep deprivation related to being unable to force the body clock to rotate as fast as those shifts.
Upset sleep patterns = people off-balance.
It does not matter what the cause; sleep deprivation causes deranged behaviors that can be out-of-character for the person experiencing it, making overall syymptoms worse, and make them more succeptible to being manipulated psychologically/emotionally….keep that in mind when subjected to pleading teens and commercials/marketing!!! 😉
I’m 54 and postmenopausal. I also have fibromyalgia and struggle with depression, for which I receive medical care, including prescription pain, sleep, and antidepressant medications. These things are so hard to share with strangers in a setting like this, so thank you for your kind understanding. I’ve recently discovered that I’ve got a Vit D deficiency as well, so started prescription strength Vit D.
I don’t know enough about natural supplements. I do know that I’m tired of being on synthetic pharmaceuticals though. I have never tried HRT because I’m concerned about the long term effects.
I was really feeling desperate when I ordered Amberen. I’ve been on Amberen for about 3 weeks. I started noticing a difference at 2 weeks. I haven’t lost any weight yet (I’m about 15 lbs over weight) but I’ve noticed that I’ve got more energy and feel like I want to do more things. I suspect the weight loss claim comes from an increase in energy? It hasn’t really made a difference in my sleep though.
I was concerned about the cost as well. If this is a concoction that I can mix myself, I’m sure it would be quite a bit less expensive. However, my HSA did cover the cost of Amberen as it’s manufactured by a bio-medical company. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have ordered it.
Back on topic, though … I’ve also noticed my pain level is waaaay down and I’m not confined to the sofa for now. I do feel encouraged with the Amberen.
We’re all wired differently, and what works for some may not work for you. If you can afford it, it’s worth a try. I’m going to finish my 3 month supply and if I can remember, I’ll visit again to let you know how it worked for me.
I *am* interested in what this RU-21 is an think I’ll do a little research on it ….
Thanks for the comments and for your research, Joe!
Merry Christmas!
Ramona, thanks for writing and I appreciate your candor. feel free to say what you like here. nobody sees your identity. Im happy that Amberen is helping some of your symptoms. The stuff in Amberen commercials about “#1 reason why women over 40 gain weight is because of a hormonal imbalance” is either a bunch of baloney in my opinion or I just dont know where they are getting that pice of evidence from. Either way, They have not shown any proof of weight loss but thats ok in my book as long as it helps with the symptoms of menopause, which several women have said, it has. That alone may make/Amberen something to look at. As for Ru21, some women are saying some interesting stuff about it also. If you can find it and its cheaper/does the same thing, it may be worth a try.
Thanks, Joe! I left another post at the bottom of the page today. But I did want to tell you that I do NOT believe that Amberen helps with weight loss OR hormone imbalaces. I’m not very pleased at the end of my first month and have decided to stop taking it. BIG ((((((sigh))))))
Ramona,
You may learn that supplementing Vit. D3 will make a beneficial difference. I learned that it lifted mood nicely. It has also helped overall health.
BUT, it has taken several years to get levels up to near 50, and those drop fast if I forget to take the D3 [I have been using 5000 to 10,000 iu’s daily]. The Doc did the 25[OH]D blood test every several months to check it.
Some literature now indicates it is critical to get adequate vit. K2, especially when taking higher doses of D3, for both bone and heart health.
I have not tried Amberen and most likely will not do so due to the MSG and the exorbitant price.
I have used Menopause Balance Complex put out by Shaklee. The only thing is if you are on a statin drug, check first to see if there will be a drug interaction with the black cohosh.
MBC did a great job in calming down many of the menopause symptoms I was having including the hot flashes and the clothes on/clothes off game….. I took it twice a day for the first week to get things back under control and then dropped back to once a day.
Kimberly
I see my GYN the 21st. Will discuss with her then. All I know is the AMBEREN is the newest item I’ve added. I didn’t have the noise, sound and hypersensitivity from previous Rx’s until the last month. Yes, it did help with hot flashes and night sweats after I upped dose to 2 pills/day for 2 weeks. But as soon as I went back to regular dose on week 3 hot flashes and night sweats started up again. And, the hypersensitivity to certain sounds (high pitches) puts me over the top. It’s probably just me going insane
Didn’t one of the ingredients cause a problem for those with schizophrenia?
If it does this, it would make sense that those who do not manifest overt symptoms of schizo, might have just enough “under-the-radar” imbalance that it could push them into symptoms like the hypersensitivity to sensory input.
Chi, I don’t recall any link of Amberen ingredients to schizophrenia.
Try this site:
amberen.com/ingredients
go down the page to Glycine.
Other sites described the mental imbalance issues with glycine, too.
Then there’s that pesky MSG in Amberen, also…which can also cause problems, not necessarily mental imbalance, but can have emotional imbalances and hypersensitivities.
Chi, I did some digging into this and I think I know where the link to glycine and schizophrenia is coming from. There are some studies noting that glycine can help some schizophrenia drugs work better. Here is a link to one of the studies.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23286991
So glycine appears to be something researchers are looking at as a treatment for schizophrenia.
That said, I did find one study noting that glycine might make schizophrenia worse when it was combined with a medication called clozapine
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9892314?dopt=Abstract This study does date back to 1999 and Im not sure if it was ever replicated. Could this be the reason why people online are saying glycine might cause schizophrenia symptoms in some people?
Since changes in mood can accompany menopause, might this be the reason glycine is in Amberen? I hope not because I would not equate menopause with schizophrenia 😉
I do appreciate the issue of glycine being raised because until today I wasn’t aware of the schizophrenia link.
PJ,
Thanks for the laugh. I just read your above comment. I too have the same symptoms you are having. I guess “misery loves company” but I feel better knowing that someone else is experiencing this “crazy” stuff. If you’re going insane, then I’m right there with you….lol I can’t deal with loud noises (esp. high pitched….my Maltese barking is like a train going by or a needle being stuck in my ear), and the feeling like I’m on the verge of a “constant panic attack”, like you mentioned in another post. I feel the SAME EXACT WAY. It’s scary and miserable. No two days are the same anymore. Life is becoming completely unpredictable.
I have never taken Amberen. I am just here to read about it. Thus far, I’m not impressed with what I am reading. The MSG component was the first thing that turned me off because MSG is not good for anyone to take.
I think Chi is on the right track as far as our symptoms being more of a nutritional/mineral/vitamin/fatty acid, etc. deficiency. I wanted to add that sometimes those deficiencies can be caused by a “leaky gut”, which most everyone has heard of by now but “mainstream” doctors don’t ever talk about it. I supposedly have “leaky gut” syndrome, where I don’t absorb what is good for me, as well as my “gut” lets things out of my digestive system into my bloodstream that AREN’T good for me (like chemicals in processed foods, etc), instead of digesting them and eliminating them. The toxins supposedly can cause all sorts of weird side effects, which unfortunately I have.
Our “guts” are vital to our health, I do know that. The gut is where many brain chemicals are formed and the gut is a huge part of our immune system. As we get older we don’t absorb nutrients as we once did (leaky gut or not), thus most likely leading to the decline we are in.
There are ways to fix a leaky gut but it takes time and effort. It’s worth it to feel better though. I have had to go on a gluten free diet to help fix mine because gluten was causing inflammation all over my body as well as in my digestive system. I was tested for celiac disease and the test was negative. However, someone suggested that a gluten free diet might help anyway. It takes several months of being gluten free to see a difference sometimes because it takes that long for gluten to completely get out of your body but I have felt much better in general being off of gluten. Also, digestive enzymes can help with mal-absorption of food and nutrients.
There are other ways to get some of the minerals/vitamins that we need as well.
One thing that I do to get my magnesium level up (since supposedly magnesium is not easily absorbed by the stomach of ANYONE) is to do Epsom Salts foot baths twice weekly. I have noticed that my muscles aren’t as stiff in my neck and legs from doing this. It also helps with constipation and it helps you sleep better which are both so important.
I hope I didn’t get too off track with the leaky gut thing, but I wanted to mention it since I am having the same symptoms you are having. Hope it helps.
Everyone has talked about the ru21. I bought it and I’m ready to give it a try. The dose is 2 before drink and 2 after drink, but I’m not taking it for the drinking. What would be the way to go for perimenopause.
I did have blood work done 3 months ago due to fibriods and heavy bleeding. It turns out I have an over production of estrogen and I’m anemic. The holistic nurse recommended progestron and iron. Have done this and feel the same. Any advice.
Oh to add, have been in a high stress situation for 2 years (cheating spouse and divorce). Wondering about the adrenal gland. Have had the thyroid checked. All well.
It is important to do what is needed, to lower stress. Get counseling [if one is not compatible, or lacks money, it takes more looking to find just the right one].
Many have been in similar situations, and there is far more to address than what is superficially discussed here. It sounds like your holistic nurse suggested some good things, but more by way of ‘band-aids’.
Those you mentioned can help short-term, but might cause more problems long-term [like blood clots in the legs with long-term progestin use–natural progesterone is some different].
Some women have serious difficulties absorbing iron, which requires a different form, to get it into the body to use.
Nutrition is key.
Moderating stress, is imperative.
One can take boatloads of pills, but if the causes are not addressed, it is just boatloads of pills slightly helping symptoms.
@ P.J. I have been on Amberen for 1 1/2 months now, and I love it. I don’t have any of the symptoms that you are describing? The only thing I have is at night my heart flutters a bit, but I had it a little bit before taking the Amberen.
I love this product and it is really working for me. Maybe give it a little time and stop all the other stuff you are doing. Maybe some other Rx you are taking is reacting with the Amberen. I would talk to your OBG about it. Good Luck.
Might try adding something simple to your intake, like sea veggies [kelps], if you tolerate iodine OK.
These come as snackable crunchy ‘leafs’, very low calorie, tasty–I got some from Costco, even.
Those provide about every mineral we need and then some, in one package a day, approximately.
They are traditional foods in many cultures, such as Irish and Japanese.
@ kimberly, I am interested in your reply because it is so positive. I have been on HRT for hot flashes, sweats, etc… unfortunately started to feeling very foggy. I am much nicer to my kids though :-). I was considering Amberen because I have gained weight I can not loose (I broke my knee cap earlier this summer and was sedentary for 6 weeks). Have you had the weight loss help as advertised?
I have never had problems with loosing weight before and can’t keep anything off anymore. also have hypothyroidism. My Gyne thinks that my predisposition for Hashimoto was kick started when I had a very severe case of Hand-foot-Mouth disease that required steroid treatment for several weeks (I won’t go into the morbid details- it was awful and probably a virus I picked up when I was traveling by airplane to see my sister in the hospital. I was around a lot of immunocompromised people on a cancer ward). The theory is that I was kicked into early menopause as well (I am only 48).
DrMom–I can only tell you of my experience with Amberen and after reading all of the other comments, I may be more of the exception rather than the norm. I just recently started taking it again after laying off of it for the past 3 months. I’ll keep you posted. I sure have a lot of energy when taking it and my mood is elevated. At 64, life is good!
I’ve been on Amberen since Oct. 29th. Had to increase to double dose in week 3 for 2 weeks as recommended. I have had an “off” feeling every since being on this product. I cannot articulate the feeling.
It’s just a feeling of something is “off” not right inside me. It did reduce hot flashes, mood swings, but I have had a sudden hypersensitivity to sound, touch. And teeth sensitivity has heightened. I was told that menopause can cause this too.
Anyhow, was wondering if anyone had experienced the hypersensitive symptoms. When a dog barks it sends a chill up my spine from the piercing sound. I also can barely open an envelope with a letter opener.
Closest description is like when someone runs their fingernails across a chalk board. Sends a chill up my spine. Now I did start acupuncture (never did this before) the same time I started Amberen for Restless Legs Syndrome. I’m giving that up because cannot afford it and not sure if it’s helping or not.
I’m ready to get an Rx (another one) for RLS and blasted anxiety. I feel like I’m on the verge of a constant PANIC attack. Best description is feeling like you’re entire body has been turned inside out with all nerve endings exposed.
Anyhow, just wondering if anyone else has just felt like you were internally “off” on edge just not right. I think I’m going to stop it after 5 weeks. $100 down the drain.
That sensitivity sounds like it might be related to minerals being depleted, or other nutrients being low.
There are various supplements that do a great job of supplementing minerals, including sea veggies [kelp], Mezotrace minerals [for those who can’t tolerate the iodine levels in kelps], and Mt. Capra Mineral Whey.
Chi, you seem to have it figured out. Are you a holistic practioner? I’m asking, because if you are, I wondered if I might contact you for help. I am all about holistic/natural remedies. I’m no expert on Amberen. I have never tried it. Just heard about it on the radio and thought I’d read some reviews to see what real people had to say about it. I do know that MSG which is in Amberen is NOT GOOD for anyone. Why would they put something like that in it?
Anyway….. I have hypothyroidism as well as other “chronic” issues that “mainstream” just isn’t resolving. Now I am peri-menopausal which is making everything almost unbearable at times. PJ, above mentioned just about how I feel 90 % of the time. Hypersensitive, can’t deal with noises or crowds or really the least little thing. I too feel that I’m on the verge of a CONSTANT PANIC ATTACK. It’s awful.
It would be nice to maybe get your email address and be able to be in touch to find out if in fact you are a practioner and could help or to find out what your information source is since you really do seem to have a lot of knowledge on the natural approach to healing. If peri- menopause is this bad, I don’t even want to think about menopause. 🙁
I have heard those symptoms related to high doses of zinc before. Since there is zinc in Amberen, that might be the connection.
I’ve been using Amberen for about 45 days. It relieves my night sweats almost completely, I don’t yet have hot flashes. In that time I’ve forgotten to take it a few times and all my symptoms coming roaring back at an alarming rate. Which makes me really nervous about taking a break. I have noticed weight loss, a lessening of appetite and less “yo-yo-ing” on the scale…once I lose it it seems to stay gone, so far. It seems to do what it advertises, at least for me.
Heard a commercial about Amberen helping with hot flashes, night sweats and weight gain, which I had all three. Started taking it in September. Started just taking 1 dose for a few weeks which did help with the hot flashes and night sweats, but NOT the weight loss.
Doubled the dose after that, but still NO weight loss.
I never had a weight problem until I started going through menopause and I thought Amberen would help since the commercial says helps with getting rid of that belly fat women get during menopause.
Another thing when the commercial says you get a 30 day free trial – that is false. You don’t get 30 days free unless you buy the 90 day packet.
A couple years ago, I tried Amberen. After several weeks, I experienced no change or relief in symptoms (hot flashes) and so doubled the dosage as instructed. Several weeks later, I developed cracked, peeling lips and cracks in the corners of my mouth that were painful and would not heal. The only thing I could attribute to it was using Amberen as that was the only change in anything I was taking and I had never had this before. I stopped Amberen.
The painful cracks continued and I ended up having to go to the doctor to get a steroid cream, which eventually cleared it up. A year later I went to a HRT specialist who put me on bio-identical hormones (all menopause symptoms have been relieved with this) who said Amberen is basically junk. Additionally, Amberen did NOTHING for weight loss. I wholeheartedly do NOT recommend Amberen for anyone.
It is possible, some needed nutrients were lowered, in your system, by taking Amberen.
Or it could be a coincidence.
One can take certain herbs, noted for wonderful results, and get similar symptoms–like using cayenne pepper for pain. It is, in Chinese medicine, a ‘heating’ herb, which increases Yang energy [hot, dry]. If one uses it too long, [varies per person] they can get the kind of cracks around the corners of the mouth as you mention, and cracks at fingertips/corners of nails, etc.
The conditions usually mend in days, when the cayenne is stopped, or, if it is well-balanced with other herbs taken in a synergistic mix.
Not knowing if/how/which ingredient[s] in Amberen might have caused this, it is hard to say why or what to do about it.
Normally, i would suggest using a nutritive good oil, such as virgin coconut oil [nutritive, non-staining, easily available], on the cracked skin, to help it heal.
Some have opened high-dose Vit. D3 caplets and put that oil onto the sore spots.
The question is, what nutrients were lowered in your system. Without knowing that, it is difficult to say what might help you get better.
But there are some general things just about anyone can use:
Good fatty acids, such as therapeutic amounts of DHA fish oils, virgin coconut oil, virgin palm oil, Mt. Capra Mineral Whey, Vit. D3, etc.
A good lot of the causes for menopausal symptoms [and other ills/ailments], can be related to imbalances in nutritional elements, either by failing to consume them, or being unable to absorb or use them; consuming unhealthy foods/drinks; unresolved stress; exposure to unhealthy environs; sleep deprivation; etc.
When we learn the root causes for any problem, finding a solution is far more effective than any ‘band aid measure’! Unfortunately, our society is long on band-aids, and short on finding root causes.
Band-aid measures are far more lucrative.
I have been taking Amberen for 6 weeks now, doubling the dose as directed when I had no change in my symptoms as well. I think I am going to stop taking it. I have an odd salty taste in my mouth, pretty much constantly, but no sinus issues or post nasal drip that I can attribute it to.
I work in an air conditioned environment, but experience drenching sweats 6-8 times a day. I am still not sleeping more than 6 hours a night, and that is interrupted by the night sweats, so I feel pretty miserable.
I have called and spoken to the nurse, explaining the continued symptoms, but she seemed patronizing, and asked what I expected from the product (pretty much what they advertised!). Anyway, I am very disappointed, and feel it was a waste of $100.00. I am happy to hear it helps some, but I would not recommend it to anyone.
I’m with you, sister. My experience is the same, plus, now I am having gallbladder pain, which I never had. I believe Amberen is a hoax and quite possible injurious to those of us who take/took it!
I am an Amberen success story. My menopause symptoms (hot flashes, heart palps, trouble sleeping etc.) started when I was 57. I tried Estrodial and Progesterone (bio-identical) and had trouble with spotting and little relief from other symptoms. Long/short, I went on Amberen and forgot I was in menopause.
I am now post-menopause and have no symptoms without Amberen. In fact, I found it was time to go off it when taking it caused symptoms. The nice customer support people told me that perhaps I didn’t need it anymore. I don’t. That’s also the nice thing about Amberen–it was never intended to be something you have to take forever.
Because I am very inquisitive, I sent an email to one of the Russian scientists. He was very helpful and interesting. I may have burned that bridge, though, from too much inquiry, because he did refer me to one of their other experts for help. I have a high level of respect for this company and the people who work there.
Thanks Joe. Vitamin Research Products, the company that makes the DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) form recommends that it be taken under the supervision of a physician. http://www.vrp.com/digestive-health/dmsa
Another brand of succinic acid has been discontinued on the http://www.iherb.com website. Makes me wonder why?
Judy, interesting. they say their form of succinic acid can cause the depletion of minerals. in theory this might alter heart rate and blood pressure among other things. That may be why they say talk to your doctor. they also say its been used safely since the 1950s. if that is true then succinic acid is classified as “GRAS” which means generally recognized as safe (its a term used for things that have been in the food supply for at least 50 yrs). Im not sure if Amberen has this same type of succinic acid or not. I dont remember seeing any warnings like this on the Amberen website. Best I can say is do what they recommend and talk to your doctor before you use it.
Joe,
Any safety issues around succinic acid? I found one product on Amazon, but it doesn’t show the label
http://www.amazon.com/DMSA-dimercapto-succinic-capsules-Brand/dp/B002D9IUV2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
It’s a bit pricey I might add. I went right to the manufacturer’s website, and they have more pricing options, as well as 25 and 100 mg. strengths.
Regarding black cohosh, in Remifemin, it has been studied for menopausal symptoms, but I found something something on the Mayo Clinic website about dangerous blood pressure and circulatory changes after reading someone’s “comment” on Amazon. I have taken black cohosh before without any adverse effects, but that was several years ago, and I have borderline to high blood pressure.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/black-cohosh/NS_patient-blackcohosh/DSECTION=safety
Judy, Ive never seen any side effects with succinic acid. On some other websites they talk about how it might cause diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, nausea and darkened or green stools. I cant confirm or deny any of this and they dont show any proof of it so take it for what its worth.
Black cohosh has been controversial in come circles and I think if you take it, its best to keep in contact with your gynocologist who is likely up on all the latest research.
Thank you, Joe. That does make me feel better.
I am going to try 1 tablet every 12 hrs. I’ll let you know.
Joe, thanks for all the info.
A question: do you know if it is ok to take Amberen or RU21 along with atenelol? I take 25 mg daily for PSVT, due to a congenital heart defect (my heart will beat irregularly on occasion without it). My PSVT has never been a huge issue, and I actually tend to have low blood pressure. Thanks!
Ann, good question and Im not sure. I am not aware of any side effects with Amberen and I have not yet had a chance to investigate RU21
I just took my first dose of RU21. Then I read the last couple of posts! That is where I got mine as well. Should I be worried? My flashes are so severe, I’m not getting much sleep. I’m waking up 6+ times a night and having to go outside in the cold or get an ice pack and them I’m wet and freezing!! GRRrr.
Of course then it takes time to get back to sleep so 4-6 hrs is usual. I’m pretty tired and cranky, but meningitis would be a lot worse. I will try to post back and let you know how RU21 is working for me.
Michelle, if it makes you feel any better, its only been one compounding pharmacy that has been linked to meningitis. Im sure they dont make RU21 – and they have been shut down. Im not aware of any supplement ever causing meningitis.
From Google:
RU21.com. Spirit Sciences USA, Inc. 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600. Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Cheers!