A Look at the Latest Research
When we think of Milk Thistle, we often think of liver support — maybe something to take after a heavy weekend or to counterbalance a few too many heavy meals over the holidays. But did you know it could also be a powerful ally during menopause?
A 2020 study explored this very question, and the results are pretty exciting. If you’re navigating hot flushes, poor sleep, or general hormonal upheaval, this might be one to add to your herbal toolkit.
The Study: What They Did
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers looked at 80 menopausal women. Half the participants took 400mg of Silybum marianum extract — that’s the Latin name for Milk Thistle — daily, while the other half received a placebo. [1]
Over 12 weeks, the researchers used two well-known and respected tools to track symptoms:
- The Greene Climacteric Scale – measuring menopause-related symptoms
- The Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS) – tracking how hot flushes affect daily life
What Happened?
The results were striking.
Women taking Milk Thistle went from having over four hot flushes a day to just 1.3 on average by the end of the study.
The intensity of the flushes also dropped — from 5.25 down to 1.62. That’s a huge improvement in a short amount of time.
And the benefits didn’t stop there. Participants also reported:
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
- Better day-to-day functioning
Perhaps best of all, no side effects were reported — something we always love to hear when it comes to menopause solutions.
So, Why Would Milk Thistle Help?
Milk Thistle is well-known for its liver-supporting properties, and this is likely how it works its magic for menopause.
Our hormones are metabolised through the liver, so supporting liver function can support smoother hormonal transitions — including fewer and less intense hot flushes. It’s not just about detoxing after a night out — it's about hormone balance and clearance, too.
If you're in perimenopause or menopause and you also:
- Drink alcohol
- Eat processed foods
- Take over-the-counter medications like painkillers or antihistamines...
...your liver is working hard! Giving it some herbal support could go a long way in improving how you feel.
Key Takeaways
- Milk Thistle isn’t just for liver support – it could be a game-changer for menopause symptoms, especially hot flushes.
- It supports hormone clearance through the liver, helping rebalance from the inside out.
- It’s natural, well-tolerated, and effective — with no reported side effects in the study.
- It may be one of the most underrated herbs for women’s hormonal health.
How to Take It
I personally prefer Milk Thistle drops or tincture, as they’re easier for the body to absorb, but tablets are also a great option if you prefer.
Will you give Milk Thistle a try? Let us know in the comments — and don’t forget to share this with a friend who’s going through menopause too. Let’s support each other through the hot flushes and hormone rollercoasters — naturally.
Another topic that may interest to you:
3 Herbs I Recommend for Menopause
