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Moderate evidenceWomen's health

Pollen Extract (Femal/Serelys)

A purified, non-hormonal pollen extract that reduces hot flashes in placebo-controlled trials. The effect is modest and the trial base is small and largely tied to one manufacturer.

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What the science says

  • Hot flashes and night sweats Moderate evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of purified pollen extract for vasomotor symptoms found a reduction in hot flash frequency versus placebo. The pooled analysis rests on a small number of trials, most funded by the product's maker.

  • Quality of life in menopause Limited evidence

    The original randomized placebo-controlled trial of the Femal pollen extract reported fewer hot flushes and improved quality-of-life scores over three months in about 60 women. Independent replication is limited.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTrials used two tablets daily of the standardized cytoplasmic pollen extract, typically 160 mg of pollen extract plus 5 mg pistil extract per day, for at least 8-12 weeks.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated; mild digestive complaints are the main report. The extract is processed to remove allergenic pollen wall material, but people with severe pollen allergy should still be cautious. It is not hormonal, which is why it is sometimes considered after breast cancer, though long-term safety data are limited.

How to take it

TimingTwo tablets daily; give it a full 8 to 12 weeks before judging it.
With food?With or without food.
Worth knowingIt is non-hormonal, which is why it is sometimes considered after breast cancer — but tell your oncologist you are taking it anyway.

Frequently asked questions

Does pollen extract (Femal or Serelys) work for hot flashes?

Yes, modestly: a meta-analysis of purified pollen extract trials found fewer hot flashes than with placebo, a moderate-grade finding. The trial base is small and mostly funded by the product's maker.

Is Femal pollen extract hormone-free?

Yes, purified pollen extract is non-hormonal, which is why it is sometimes considered after breast cancer. Long-term safety data are limited, so tell your oncologist if you take it.

How long does pollen extract take to work for menopause?

Trials of purified pollen extract used two tablets daily, typically 160 mg of pollen extract plus 5 mg of pistil extract, for at least 8-12 weeks. Give it that long before judging whether it helps.

Can I take pollen extract if I have hay fever?

Purified pollen extract is processed to remove allergenic pollen wall material, but people with severe pollen allergy should still be cautious. Mild digestive complaints are the main reported side effect.

Scientific references

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