Supplement Savings Calculator — Audit Your Stack
Primary Question
Am I wasting money on menopause supplements with weak or limited evidence?
Audits your supplement spending, grades each supplement by clinical evidence (Keep/Review/Drop), and recommends an evidence-based optimized stack with potential annual savings.
Who This Is For
- ✓Women who want to know if their supplements have clinical evidence
- ✓Women who want to identify potentially wasted supplement spending
- ✓Women who want an evidence-based supplement stack recommendation
- ✓Women who want to compare their current spending against an optimized approach
Not For
- —Women seeking clinical advice on specific supplements — this tool grades evidence but does not prescribe
- —Women with hormone-sensitive conditions — some supplements (red clover, soy) may not be suitable; consult your doctor
- —Women taking prescription medications — supplement-drug interactions are not screened; consult your pharmacist
Let's see exactly where your menopause money is going.
Prescriptions (monthly $)
Supplements (monthly $)
Other costs (monthly $)
How this calculator works
Purpose: Audits your current supplement spending, grades each supplement by evidence strength, and recommends an evidence-based supplement stack that may cost less.
Who it's for: Women currently spending on menopause supplements who want to evaluate whether their spending is evidence-based and potentially save money.
What information is considered
The tool asks you to enter your monthly spending on prescriptions (7 categories), supplements (12 categories), and other costs (5 categories), or use a quick-estimate total. It then asks about your satisfaction, which symptoms are not adequately addressed, your primary health goal, and whether you are open to trying an optimised stack.
How the information contributes to the result
Your current annual spending is calculated from your entered monthly costs × 12. Supplements you entered are audited against pre-assigned evidence grades. An optimised stack is built from a $47/month base (magnesium glycinate, vitamin D3+K2, omega-3) plus goal-specific add-ons (e.g., red clover for hot flashes +$25, ashwagandha for sleep +$25, L-theanine for mood +$15, lion's mane for cognitive +$30). Your potential savings = current annual spending - optimised annual spending.
Research and guideline basis
Supplement evidence grades are based on clinical literature including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Key references: Cochrane reviews on black cohosh and soy isoflavones for vasomotor symptoms; NICE Guideline NG23 on non-hormonal treatments; The Menopause Society position statements on complementary therapies. Evidence grades are general assessments, not personalized recommendations.
What this calculator cannot determine
Evidence grades are general and may not apply to your specific situation. The tool does not check for supplement-medication interactions or contraindications. Supplement quality and bioavailability vary by brand. The optimised stack is a starting point, not a personalized prescription. Always discuss supplements with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if taking prescription medications.
When professional medical evaluation may be appropriate
If your results suggest moderate or higher symptom burden, or if you are considering prescription treatment, a conversation with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended. This tool is decision support, not a diagnosis.
Methodology version 1.0 · Last reviewed 2026-09-27
Understanding your possible results
These are the result categories this calculator may produce. You do not need to complete the calculator to understand what each result means.
Keep (✅)
What it means: This supplement has good or better clinical evidence for menopause symptoms. It may be worth continuing if it helps your symptoms.
Factors considered: Based on evidence grade of "good" or "essential" from clinical literature review.
Limitations: Even well-evidenced supplements may not work for everyone. Quality and dosage matter.
Common next steps: Continue if it helps. Discuss with your doctor to ensure no interactions with medications.
Review (⚠️)
What it means: This supplement has limited or emerging evidence. It may help some women but is not a core menopause supplement. Consider whether the cost is justified.
Factors considered: Based on evidence grade of "limited" or "emerging" from clinical literature review.
Limitations: Limited evidence does not mean ineffective — it means more research is needed. Individual responses vary.
Common next steps: Evaluate whether you notice a benefit. Consider dropping if no improvement after 2-3 months. Discuss with your doctor.
Drop (❌)
What it means: This supplement has weak or no clinical evidence for menopause symptoms. You may be spending money without benefit.
Factors considered: Based on evidence grade of "weak" from clinical literature review.
Limitations: Weak evidence for menopause does not mean the supplement is useless for other purposes. However, for menopause symptoms specifically, better options exist.
Common next steps: Consider dropping this supplement to save money. Redirect spending to evidence-based alternatives.
Optimised Stack
What it means: A targeted, evidence-based supplement protocol built for your primary health goal. Typically costs $47-$107/month depending on your goal.
Factors considered: Built from a base of 3 core supplements (magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3) plus goal-specific add-ons.
Limitations: The stack is goal-based, not symptom-comprehensive. It does not account for your full medical history or medication interactions.
Common next steps: Discuss the recommended stack with your doctor or pharmacist. Introduce supplements one at a time to assess tolerance.