RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

12-week Multi-vitamin/Mineral Supplementation on Peri-menopause Symptoms, Cognition, Sleep, and Psychological Well-being.

This 12-week study aims to explore if a daily supplement containing various vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts can help ease bothersome symptoms often experienced by women during perimenopause. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, marked by hormonal changes that can cause mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, hot flushes, and issues with memory or concentration. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common treatment, some women seek alternatives. This research will compare the effects of the supplement to a placebo (a dummy pill) on these symptoms, as well as on sleep, thinking skills, and overall well-being in women aged 40 to 60. The goal is to provide clearer information on potential nutritional support during this life stage.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

07 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Perimenopause Perimenopausal Women Perimenopause, Climacteric Syndrome

What is this study about?

Perimenopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, usually starting in her 40s, during which her body begins to transition towards menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to a range of symptoms. These can include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, changes in mood, feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping, and even problems with memory or concentration. These symptoms can be quite challenging and affect daily life.

While doctors often recommend Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help manage these symptoms, it's not suitable for everyone, and some women prefer to explore other options. With a growing interest in how nutrition might support health during perimenopause, many women look for information and advice, sometimes turning to social media for supplement suggestions. However, there isn't a lot of strong scientific research yet on how effective these supplements truly are.

This study aims to fill some of these knowledge gaps. For 12 weeks, some participants will take a daily supplement that combines vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, while others will take a placebo (a dummy pill that looks the same but contains no active ingredients). By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to understand if this specific supplement can help reduce perimenopause symptoms like mood changes, sleep problems, and issues with memory and concentration, and potentially improve overall well-being. This information could be very helpful for women looking for ways to manage their perimenopausal journey.

Key takeaways

This study explores a vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplement for perimenopause.
It aims to see if it helps with common symptoms like mood swings, sleep, and memory.
The study compares the supplement to a placebo (dummy pill).
It lasts for 12 weeks and is open to women aged 40-60.
Participation could help improve understanding of nutritional support for perimenopause.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you should be a woman between 40 and 60 years old. You need to be experiencing bothersome perimenopause symptoms that have been affecting you for the last six months, but you shouldn't have reached full menopause yet (which means you've gone 12 months without a period).

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, or if you have a nut allergy, this study isn't suitable. If you've recently taken certain medications for depression or anxiety, or other drugs that could strongly affect your thinking or sleep, you might also be excluded for safety reasons.

Additionally, if you already regularly take a multivitamin/mineral supplement, you might need to stop for a month before joining. This study is not for women whose menopause symptoms were caused by medical treatments, or who are receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 40 and 60 years old?
Are you currently experiencing bothersome perimenopause symptoms?
Have you not gone 12 consecutive months without a period yet?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant?
Do you not have a nut allergy?
Have you not recently used certain medications for mood or sleep, or regularly used multivitamins?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll be involved in the study for 12 weeks. You will either receive a multivitamin/mineral and herbal supplement or a placebo (a dummy pill) to take daily. The study will involve regular check-ups, potentially including questionnaires to track your symptoms, sleep patterns, mood, and cognitive abilities (like memory and concentration). All assessments will be clearly explained to you, and your well-being will be monitored throughout the study period. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be 3 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the potential benefit of helping to manage your perimenopause symptoms and improve your overall well-being. However, there's no guarantee the supplement will work for you, and it's possible you'll receive the placebo. While generally safe, all supplements can carry a small risk of side effects, which will be fully explained before you agree to take part. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

School of Psychology, Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the natural transition period before menopause, when a woman's body starts to change due to fluctuating hormones, often causing various symptoms.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a 'dummy pill' that looks exactly like the active supplement but contains no medication. It’s used to compare the real effects of the supplement.

How long will the study last?

The study will last for 12 weeks, which is about 3 months, during which you'll take the assigned supplement or placebo daily.

Will I know if I'm taking the real supplement or the placebo?

No, it's a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who is receiving the active supplement and who is receiving the placebo until the study ends.

What kind of symptoms will the study be looking at?

The study will look at symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, changes in mood, anxiety, sleep problems, and issues with memory and concentration.

How to find out more

Crystal Haskell-Ramsay

crystal.haskell-ramsay@northumbria.ac.uk +44 191 2274875 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.