Resveratrol and Women’s Health: Hormones, Bone Strength, Menopause, and More

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in several foods, most famously red grapes and wine. With potent free radical scavenging properties, resveratrol has been studied for its role in supporting cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and aspects of longevity (like sirtuin activity and autophagy).*  

Within the past few years, research has ramped up on the effects of resveratrol in women (it’s about time!), with reported benefits ranging from bone strength and menopausal symptoms to hormone function and reproductive health.*  

One widely publicized study, RESHAW (Resveratrol for Healthy Aging in Women), is the longest resveratrol supplementation trial to date in women. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, researchers randomized postmenopausal women with an average age of 65 to take resveratrol (75mg of Veri‐te™  trans-resveratrol twice daily) or a placebo for 12 months, followed by 12 months of the alternate treatment.*  

In addition to a 33% improvement in overall cognitive performance, resveratrol reduced symptoms related to occasional, minor pain and menopause and improved overall well-being. The researchers also looked at how resveratrol affected bone strength, finding that resveratrol supported bone mineralization in the lumbar spine and femoral neck and helped to maintain long-term skeletal health.*  

It’s thought that resveratrol benefits bone health in women because of its role as a phytoestrogen—a compound with similar structures to estrogen that can bind to estrogen receptors.* 

Due to the nature of menopause, postmenopausal women can become deficient in estrogen, and phytoestrogens like resveratrol can help to exert estrogen-like benefits in various areas—such as bone health. Estrogen plays a protective role in bone metabolism, including supporting the activity of bone-building osteoblast cells and regulating bone turnover. With the loss of estrogen seen during menopause and beyond‚ women can lose bone density—and resveratrol may be able to help.* 

But menopause is not the only time that resveratrol can benefit women’s health.*  

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of women aged 26 to 30, resveratrol supplementation was found to support normal hormone levels including testosterone, DHEA-S, and luteinizing hormone which influence ovulation, menstruation, fertility, metabolism, and more. Resveratrol offers another option for the millions of women in need of female endocrine support.* 

Researchers speculate that resveratrol benefits women’s reproductive health because of its free radical scavenging and phytoestrogen properties and ability to optimize sirtuin-1 (SIRT) activity to protect ovarian cells. Resveratrol also supports mitochondrial function and influences senescence and inflammatory pathways, further supporting reproductive function.* 

However, not all resveratrol supplements are created equal, leading to conflicting research results in the past. Many supplements include a blend of the two forms of resveratrol: cis and trans. Cis-resveratrol is commonly found in lower-quality or lower-priced supplements and is poorly absorbed. Conversely, trans-resveratrol is the more bioavailable form of the compound, meaning your body can absorb and utilize it more effectively, allowing you to reap the benefits.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.