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Equelle Review: A Promising Solution from a Trusted Brand
Published on July 4, 2023
Equelle is a non-hormonal menopause supplement that has been clinically shown to offer relief from common symptoms. It is a promising natural option for women who can’t (or don’t want to) undergo HRT. Here’s what you should know before buying.
Key Insights (TL;DR)
- Equelle is a non-hormonal natural supplement with a single active ingredient, S-equol. It is derived from soy and mimics estrogen in your body to help decrease menopause symptoms.
- Equelle has been clinically shown to relieve common symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal discomfort, and improve sleep quality.
- In clinical studies, Equelle provided some relief in as little as one month, with optimal results in 2–3 months.
- On the brand’s website, consumer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many stated it was “life-saving” and helped with hot flashes and night sweats, often completely eliminating or significantly reducing them. Many patients also report that it helped with sleep and mood swings.
- As with any menopause supplement, the product will not work for everyone. A small percentage of reviewers did not experience relief. Others experienced relief from some menopause symptoms but not all, while some reported that Equelle provided initial relief, but the symptoms returned over time.
- Equelle is considered generally safe. In clinical studies, no safety issues were reported. However, some reviewers reported side effects (more on that in the safety section).
What Equelle Gets Right
- It uses S-equal, an ingredient clinically validated to treat common symptoms of menopause.
- It offers a non-hormonal alternative to women who can’t (or don’t want to) undergo hormone replacement therapy.
- The product is hormone-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.
- The company offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, reducing the financial risk of trying the product.
- Many consumers praised the helpfulness of customer service and also stated that this product was recommended to them by their physicians.
- The company has a transparent website with helpful, consumer-centered information about the product.
Important Considerations
- If you are allergic to soy, you should not use Equelle.
- More expensive than some alternatives — extra costs could add up over time.
- Not third-party tested for ingredient purity.
- More extended studies would help understand long-term safety.
- You will need to take the product consistently for at least 2–3 months before experiencing relief.
- Some consumers report being charged after canceling the subscription. Although the issue was resolved by customer service, it still created a nuisance.
Equelle at a Glance
Menopause is a natural decline in women's reproductive hormones.
Menopausal transition affects each woman differently, but common symptoms include stubborn weight loss, fatigue, mood shifts, and hot flashes. While menopause is a normal part of life, it does not mean you need to suffer through the symptoms. (1)
Equelle is a menopause relief supplement produced by NatureMade, a reputable vitamin and supplement brand.
Equelle is the only menopause supplement made with S-equol, a plant-based, soy-derived ingredient that naturally mimics estrogen in the body.
Research has found that some women naturally produce S-equol in the gut after consuming soy-rich food. As a result, women with a high intake of soy food products experience milder symptoms of menopause. (2, 3)
However, clinical trials have documented that the body cannot produce enough S-equol to alleviate menopause symptoms from diet alone. (4)
S-equol has a similar molecular structure to estrogen. However, while estrogen replacement therapies bind to alpha and beta receptors, often leading to breast and uterine cancer risk, S-equol primarily binds to estrogen beta receptors, mimicking estrogen's effects in the body without the harmful side effects of estrogen. (5)
To use Equelle, you will need to take two capsules per day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening, both preferably with meals.
Overall, Equelle is a promising product worth considering if you are at any stage of menopause and experiencing symptoms, don’t want to or can’t undergo HRT, and are not allergic to soy.
Research Behind S-Equol, Equelle’s Main Ingredient
Equelle’s active ingredient, S-equol, is a plant-based compound derived from soy that has been proven safe and effective in clinical trials. The studies we reviewed showed that taking 10 mg of S-equol daily for 12 weeks improved menopause symptoms. That is the same daily dose as Equelle. Here is a breakdown of the benefits experienced in the clinical trials:
Reduction in Hot Flashes
Daily intake of Equelle may decrease the occurrence and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. Specifically, in one study of 77 women receiving 10 mg of S-equol a day for 12 weeks, women experienced a significant decrease in menopausal symptoms, including a reduced frequency of hot flashes. (4)
Important Note: While 10 mg S-equol daily was shown to reduce the frequency of hot flashes for those experiencing eight or fewer daily, this product may not be the best fit if you are experiencing more daily hot flashes than that.
Improved Sleep
Poor sleep is often associated with menopause symptoms too. While Equelle does not increase lowering estrogen levels, its hormone-mimicking effects may improve sleep quality and serotonin levels. (6)
Specifically, clinical studies have found that supplementation of 10 mg of S-equol for 12 weeks improved night sweats and sleeping disturbances for over 90% of women. (7)
Improved Mood
With a lower estrogen production, women may experience poorer moods, including depression and anxiety. In a clinical study, women supplemented with S-equol for 12 weeks showed a significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms. (8)
Muscle and Joint Pain Relieve
In addition to reducing hot flashes, studies show that taking 10 grams daily of S-equol may help relieve muscle and joint pain in postmenopausal women. (9)
Is Equelle Safe to Take?
According to clinical research, S-equol, the active ingredient in Equelle, is safe and has no significant side effects. However, it is derived from soy, so people with soy allergies should not use it.
Some individuals have reported mild side effects from Equelle, such as bloating, rash, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. These side effects typically subside after a few days. If you have a sensitive stomach, it may be helpful to take Equelle with meals.
Taking Equelle with other supplements and over-the-counter or prescription medications should be safe. However, speaking with your physician before starting any new supplement, including Equelle, is always best.
Price & Buying Options
Equelle is only available for purchase on the main company website at the following prices:
- One-Time Purchase: $50 per bottle
- With Subscription: $40 per bottle (renews every four weeks)
The company provides free shipping and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
How Equelle Compares to Alternatives
Menopause symptoms could last for a long time and could severely impact your quality of life. Many natural supplements on the market offer relief, but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
When looking for an effective menopause supplement, it is important to consider the following:
- Which menopause symptoms does the supplement address?
- How does the supplement produce relief for menopause symptoms (aka its mechanism of action)?
- Is there evidence for safety (preferably long-term) and effectiveness?
- How long will it take to see initial relief?
- What would be the ongoing cost of using the product?
Here’s a summary of how Equelle compares to well-known brands:
Equelle |
Estroven |
Amberen |
Relizen |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Uses |
Relief of menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal symptoms |
Relief of common menopause symptoms |
Relief of common menopause symptoms, including weight gain |
Relief of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats |
Active Ingredients |
S-equol |
Rhapontic Rhubarb Root Extract |
Vitamin E, Ammonium Succinate, Calcium Disuccinate, Monosodium L-Glutamate, Glycine, Magnesium Disuccinate, Zinc Difumarate |
Pollen + Pistil Extract PI-82, Pollen Extract GC-FEM |
Mechanism of Action |
Mimics the effects and actions of estrogen |
Promotes beneficial estrogen-like activities |
Regulates hormone production |
It’s non-hormonal, but the mechanism is unclear; it may regulate serotonin levels |
Hormone and Drug Free? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Plant-Based |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Scientific Evidence |
Smaller, well-designed studies have shown that Equelle helped reduce hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal symptoms, and mood swings |
Large, well-designed studies have shown that Estroven helped significantly reduce common menopause symptoms |
Smaller, well-designed studies have shown that Amberen helped significantly reduce common menopause symptoms |
Small, open-label studies have shown that Relizen reduces hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause |
Clinical Studies for Long-Term Safety |
Studies (up to 12 weeks) have shown Equelle to be generally safe, longer studies are needed |
Studies (up to two years) have shown Estroven to be generally safe for long-term use |
Studies (up to 90 days) have shown Amberen to be generally safe, longer studies are needed |
Studies (up to 90 days) have shown Relizen to be generally safe; longer studies are needed |
How Long to Take to See Relief |
Studies have shown initial relief in 2–3 months |
Studies have shown initial relief in 4 weeks |
Studies have shown initial relief in 30 days |
Studies have shown initial relief by month 3 |
Form and Daily Dosage |
2 tablets |
1 caplet |
2 capsules |
2 tablets |
Regular Price |
$50 (30 servings) |
$19.99 (28 servings) |
$29.99 (30 servings) |
$57 (30 servings) |
Cost Per Serving |
$1.66 |
$0.71 |
$0.99 |
$1.90 |
Estimated Annual Cost |
$590.96 |
$259 |
$361 |
$691.60 |
Discounts |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 20% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 10% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 10% |
Subscriptions can lower the cost by 35% |
Return Policy |
90 days |
60 days |
60 days |
30 days |
Purchase |
Buy on Equelle | Buy on Estroven | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Bonafide |
How Do I Choose?
All of the above products could be a potential solution for women looking for hormone-free, natural relief from menopause symptoms. They all have varying degrees of clinical support for safety and effectiveness, contain unique combinations of ingredients, and all work in different ways. They all come from reputable brands and have a lot of positive consumer reviews.
Here are some tips on choosing the best one for you
- Equelle is a great choice if you are not allergic to soy and are specifically looking to address hot flashes, night sweats, sleep quality, vaginal symptoms, and mood swings using a natural ingredient that mimics estrogen in your body.
- If you have other symptoms that you need to address, Estroven or Amberen may be a better option, as they address a wider range of menopausal symptoms. (Note: Amberen is not plant-based.)
- If you are looking for a more budget-friendly solution and something free of soy, Estroven would be the best option. It is half the cost of Equelle and works similarly by promoting estrogen-like activities.
- If Equelle did not work for you, or you want to avoid hormone-mimicking ingredients, and hot flashes and night sweats are your main concerns, Relizen is worth considering as it has a different mechanism of action.
Tip: It is best to use any menopause supplement alongside a healthy lifestyle that includes consuming less caffeine, exercising, practicing stress management and relaxation techniques, and following an anti-inflammatory diet.
At WellnessVerge, we only use reputable sources, including peer-reviewed medical journals and well-respected academic institutions.
- What Is Menopause? | National Institute on Aging:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause - Effect of intestinal production of equol on menopausal symptoms in women treated with soy isoflavones - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18395723/ - Equol improves menopausal symptoms in Japanese women - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20484552/ - A natural S-equol supplement alleviates hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in equol nonproducing postmenopausal Japanese women - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21992596/ - Estrogen Receptors Alpha (ERα) and Beta (ERβ): Subtype-Selective Ligands and Clinical Potential - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192010/ - Evaluation and Management of Sleep Disturbance During the Menopause Transition - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736837/ - Sampling Trial Showed S-equol Supplementation Helped Relieve Menopausal Symptoms (P06-111-19) - PMC:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6574537/ - New equol supplement for relieving menopausal symptoms: randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Japanese women - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19131846/ - A pilot study on the effects of S-equol compared to soy isoflavones on menopausal hot flash frequency - PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22409590/