Menopause nutrition shift: Probiotics, heart and bone health take center stage

Menopause nutrition is evolving, with a sharp focus on heart and bone health, mood, and cognitive support. As women seek natural, evidence-based supplements, demand rises amid growing awareness and a push away from hormone therapy risks.

Nutrition Insight speaks with ADM, Gnosis by Lesaffre, and Novonesis to learn how probiotics and targeted supplements are reshaping menopause support.

Heart and bone health and probiotics

Silvia Pisoni, global operational marketing director at Gnosis by Lesaffre, says that the biggest shift she has observed in how menopause is understood through nutrition is the attention on cardiovascular and bone health. Other notable mentions include addressing hot flashes, brain fog, and irritability.

“According to recent research, 70% of women experience mood swings and cognitive disruptions, up to 80% deal with both vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and low energy, and approximately 70% have a loss of bone density.”

“Thankfully, women today are aware of the changes they will face when menopause kicks in and are seeking natural support. As women are now living longer, they spend approximately 40% of their lives in post-menopause,” she explains.

Anne Karina Riise, Novonesis’ global commercial industry manager, sees a shift to a more holistic, targeted, and personalized approach to menopause over the previous decade. 

“Women are increasingly seeking natural, non-hormonal options to manage symptoms — and they’re doing so with greater awareness and agency.”

June Lin, VP of Global Innovation Marketing at ADM.“Probiotics for menopause are emerging as a promising category,” she says. “The broader dietary supplements space continues to grow, with rising consumer interest in solutions that support balance and well-being during this life stage.”

Growing menopause market despite lack of awareness

June Lin, VP of Global Innovation Marketing at ADM, notes that although the global menopause market is growing, there remains a lack of knowledge among consumers and brands of the specific support women may need.

“From hot flashes to mood and sleep changes to irregular periods, changes in bone density, and weight gain, these are but some of the life-stage adjustments that women may go through during perimenopause.”

“Research on solutions for perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women has found certain phytoestrogens, such as soy isoflavones, which are considered selective estrogen receptor modulators, useful in supporting menopausal women,” she continues. 

“Other plant-based ingredients, along with vitamins B, D, and E, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, are also important to incorporate in nutrition solutions positioned for women in this age group.” 

Lin adds that gut microbiome solutions are on the rise with prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and postbiotics that aid metabolic health, weight management, sleep, and mood. She notes that ongoing research examines the specific benefits these biotics may offer. 

Supplements instead of hormone replacement therapy

In the US, 6,000 women reach menopause everyday, according to The North American Menopause Society, which adds up to two million women per year, says Pisoni.

Probiotics are emerging as a natural solution to ease menopause symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and brain fog.“The rising prevalence of vasomotor symptoms among women during the menopausal transition is projected to propel the market growth. In addition, menopausal women are much more vocal about issues such as mood swings and ‘brain fog,’ which are linked to menopause.”

“According to Nutrition Business Journal’s Condition Specific Report 2024, menopause is a strengthening core women’s health supplement subcategory. Among the biggest success stories in supplements over the past several years is the expansion of the menopause market. In 2019, sales were growing at 4%, and if projections hold, sales will hit nearly US$852 million in 2027, up 53% from 2019,” she notes.

Pisoni adds that the market is driven by women who do not want to risk the potential side effects of hormone replacement therapy. These include vaginal bleeding, hip and vertebral fractures, urinary incontinence, and increased risk of developing breast and colorectal cancer.

Demand for evidence-based, natural supplements 

Novonesis has pinpointed three areas shaping its innovation based on consumer demand, market research, and cultural shifts. “Women today are more informed, proactive, and value-driven. There’s a clear trend toward evidence-based, natural supplements — especially as alternatives to hormone therapy,” says Riise. 

Anne Karina Riise, Novonesis’ global commercial industry manager.“Many are looking for solutions that feel effective and aligned with their personal health philosophies. We also see a foundation for more tailored solutions that let women choose just the type of product that will meet their specific needs.”

Riise adds that the growing global probiotic and women’s health markets reveal that menopause is not seen as a taboo. It used to only be talked about in private due to stigma, but now it is discussed in the media, with public figures, podcasts, and brands normalizing speaking about lived experiences.

“We’re also seeing these cultural shifts reflected in the marketplace: there’s a growing number of products formulated specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause, and consumers are actively seeking transparent, empowering solutions. Even workplaces are beginning to address menopause more seriously, recognizing its impact on well-being and productivity.”

Novonesis says these new conversations open opportunities for innovation and speaking “more honestly and holistically” with women.

“With growing consumer demand and market momentum, there’s a clear need for more clinical research in this space,” underscores Riise. “We’re actively contributing to this effort  — developing strong, targeted solutions backed by science.”

Holistic formulations

Lin of ADM stresses that women want to take better care of their health, leading brands to offer solutions for short-term and long-term cognitive and weight issues, alongside stress and hormonal effects impacting appetite.

“These insights are key in guiding our holistic formulation approach, using science-backed ingredients that can assist manufacturers in developing multi-functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. This support is especially helpful for women experiencing several wellness concerns simultaneously throughout menopause.”

“We’re committed to expanding our health and wellness ingredients library, including gut microbiome-supporting solutions backed by robust clinical research that address important areas of wellness, such as stress, mood, sleep, weight management, and more,” she concludes.