“I’ve started to notice changes in how I feel since entering my 40s.”
“Is there any relationship between royal jelly and menopause?”
“Has royal jelly been studied in relation to female hormones and postmenopausal health?”
The 40s and 50s can be a time of significant change. Responsibilities at work and home may shift, while many women also begin paying closer attention to their own health and wellbeing.
Around menopause, the production of female hormones changes considerably. Some women experience changes such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep concerns, mood changes or fatigue, while others notice very few changes at all.
One natural food that has been studied in relation to women’s health during this stage of life is royal jelly.
Clinical studies involving postmenopausal women have been published, along with systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating several studies together.
In this article, we look at what menopause is, research involving royal jelly and postmenopausal women, how royal jelly relates to female hormone research, studies involving fatigue, and healthy lifestyle habits for women in their 40s, 50s and beyond.
What Is Menopause? Changes Women May Notice in Their 40s and 50s
As women age, ovarian function gradually changes and the production of hormones such as estrogen also changes.
The period surrounding the final menstrual period is commonly referred to as menopause.
The way these changes are experienced varies considerably from person to person.
Some women may notice changes such as:
- Hot flushes or sweating
- Changes in sleep
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Shoulder, back or lower-back discomfort
- Palpitations
- Changes in skin or hair
Some women notice very little change, while others may feel that symptoms affect their daily life.
Similar changes can also be associated with factors such as lack of sleep, work or family stress, physical activity, diet or other health conditions.
For this reason, health management in the 40s and 50s is best approached by looking at sleep, diet, exercise, stress and overall changes in wellbeing together.
💡 Did You Know? “Menopause” and “menopausal disorder” are not the same thing
Menopause describes a natural life stage around the end of menstruation. Menopausal disorder, on the other hand, may be diagnosed when symptoms significantly affect daily life and are not better explained by another medical condition. If symptoms are concerning or disruptive, speaking with a healthcare professional is an important option.
Women’s health remains important after menopause
Menopause is one milestone, but health management continues well beyond it.
In the 50s, 60s and beyond, diet, physical activity, sleep, regular health checks and appropriate screening all become increasingly important.
Royal jelly has also been studied in women from these age groups.
What Research Has Been Conducted on Royal Jelly and Menopausal Women?
Royal jelly is a substance produced by young worker bees and used as food for queen bees and larvae.
It contains a variety of components including proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals. One of its characteristic fatty acids is 10-HDA (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid).
For a detailed explanation of royal jelly itself, including 10-HDA and how it differs from honey, see our article: What Is Royal Jelly? 10-HDA, Nutrients and the Difference from Honey.
A study involving 42 Japanese postmenopausal women
In 2018, a placebo-controlled clinical study involving 42 healthy Japanese postmenopausal women was published.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed 800 mg of protease-treated royal jelly once daily for 12 weeks, while the other group received a placebo.
Menopause-related symptoms were assessed every four weeks using a questionnaire developed for Japanese women.
After 12 weeks, statistically significant differences between the royal jelly group and placebo group were reported for anxiety-related scores and back or lower-back pain-related scores.
Several other measures were also evaluated, and results varied depending on the item being assessed.
When interpreting this study, it is useful to consider the full study conditions, including the sample size of 42 women, the fact that participants were healthy and postmenopausal, and the use of protease-treated royal jelly.
💡 Did You Know? The amount used in a study is only one part of the picture
When a study mentions “800 mg of royal jelly,” it is easy to focus only on the dosage. However, the type of raw material, processing method, participant characteristics and study duration also matter when interpreting research.
A study involving 200 postmenopausal women
In 2019, another randomized double-blind clinical trial was published involving 200 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60.
The study compared a group consuming 1,000 mg of royal jelly once daily for eight weeks with a placebo group, using menopause-related symptom scores as an outcome measure.
These studies show that royal jelly and women’s health after menopause have been investigated using different populations, study sizes and intake conditions.
In addition to individual clinical trials, researchers have also evaluated the broader body of evidence relating to royal jelly and postmenopausal women.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published online in December 2025 and later in the journal Menopause in 2026 evaluated clinical research on royal jelly and postmenopausal symptoms.
What is a systematic review and meta-analysis?
A systematic review uses a predefined method to search for and evaluate studies on a specific topic.
A meta-analysis may then combine results from multiple studies statistically to examine overall patterns.
This provides a broader perspective than looking at a single study alone, while differences in raw materials, dosage, participants and assessment methods still need to be considered.
💡 Did You Know? The number of studies is only part of the evidence
Systematic reviews also consider the quality and design of individual studies. Sample size, study methods and differences between trials all help researchers judge how reliable the overall evidence may be.
Six studies involving 471 postmenopausal women
The review searched multiple medical databases and ultimately included six studies involving a total of 471 postmenopausal women.
The included studies were published between 2011 and 2021 and examined outcomes including postmenopausal symptoms, quality of life and genitourinary-related measures.
For menopausal symptoms, two studies involving 312 participants could be combined in the meta-analysis. A statistically significant difference compared with placebo was reported, and the certainty of evidence was rated as moderate.
The review included six studies overall, and the number of studies available differed depending on the outcome being assessed.
The findings are therefore best viewed as part of the developing body of research on royal jelly and women’s health after menopause, alongside future studies.
These findings represent the results of research studies and do not demonstrate that every commercially available royal jelly product will produce the same outcomes.
Keep research findings and product information separate
The type of royal jelly, processing method, dosage and study duration differ between clinical trials.
Commercial royal jelly supplements also vary in concentration, processing and recommended daily intake.
Looking at research on royal jelly as an ingredient and the label of the specific product you are considering as separate sources of information makes it easier to understand what the research actually applies to.
Research on Royal Jelly and Fatigue
Fatigue is another concern that some women notice during the menopausal years.
Research has also examined foods containing royal jelly in relation to fatigue and other symptoms experienced by women around menopause.
A study involving 60 women aged 40 to under 60
A study published in 2008 involved 60 women aged 40 to under 60 who were experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Participants consumed either a food containing royal jelly and theanine as main ingredients or a placebo food for four weeks.
The researchers evaluated several self-reported measures, including vasomotor-related symptoms and fatigue.
This study is useful when considering foods containing royal jelly in women around menopause. However, the test product contained theanine as well as royal jelly.
💡 Did You Know? Always check what else was included in the test product
When a study uses a combination product, the results relate to the product as a whole. Checking the full ingredient combination helps prevent conclusions from being attributed to royal jelly alone.
Royal Jelly and Female Hormones
Searches for royal jelly often bring up terms such as “female hormones,” “estrogen” and “hormonal balance.”
Royal jelly and some of its components have been examined in basic research related to hormone-associated biological mechanisms.
Royal jelly is a food and is different from female hormones themselves.
Royal jelly is consumed as a food, while hormone therapy is a medical treatment. They therefore have different roles.
When reading information about royal jelly and hormones, it is helpful to check whether the research involved cells or animals, or whether it was a clinical study involving people.
💡 Did You Know? What does “estrogen-like” mean?
Terms such as “estrogen-like activity” may be used when researchers investigate how a food-derived compound interacts with receptors or related pathways under specific experimental conditions. This is different from consuming estrogen itself.
Healthcare and healthy foods each have their own role
There are a number of medical approaches available for menopausal symptoms, depending on a person’s individual health status and needs.
Royal jelly and other health foods are used as part of everyday diet and lifestyle.
If changes in wellbeing are significant or begin to affect work, family life or sleep, discussing them with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional can help identify suitable options.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Women in Their 40s, 50s and Beyond
Everyday lifestyle remains the foundation of health during the menopausal years.
If royal jelly is added to your routine, considering it alongside diet, physical activity, sleep and rest can help create a more balanced approach to health.
Diet | Include a variety of foods
In the 40s and 50s, some women begin adjusting how much they eat or reconsidering certain foods as body composition and lifestyle change.
The body requires a range of nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Aim to include a variety of foods such as meat, fish, eggs, soy foods, dairy products, vegetables, fruit and grains as part of a balanced diet.
Exercise | Choose physical activity you can maintain
Walking, stretching and resistance training are examples of activities that can be adapted to individual fitness levels and health conditions.
A routine that fits naturally into daily life is often easier to maintain over the long term.
Sleep and rest | Support a regular daily rhythm
Sleep changes are common concerns during the menopausal years.
Reviewing bedtime and wake time, caffeine and alcohol intake, daytime activity and the bedroom environment can help identify areas that may support better sleep habits.
When sleep concerns continue over a longer period, seeking medical advice can also help identify possible causes.
In your 50s and beyond | Focus on habits you can continue
For many people, the 50s are a time when health check results or day-to-day changes prompt a closer look at lifestyle habits.
Rather than making extreme short-term changes to food intake or suddenly starting intense exercise, a sustainable approach that fits your own lifestyle is often easier to continue.
If you use health foods such as royal jelly, consider the recommended daily intake, capsule or tablet size, storage requirements and cost when choosing a product that fits comfortably into your routine.
In your 60s and beyond | Consider medications and changes in eating habits
In the 60s and beyond, appetite and eating patterns may change, and some people may also use several medications.
When adding a new health food, consider your current diet, health status, medications and lifestyle rather than age alone.
If you take prescription medicines or are receiving medical treatment, keeping a record of the products and daily amounts you use can make discussions with your doctor or pharmacist easier.
Health checks and medical consultations are also part of self-care
Regular health checks and appropriate screening remain important from the 40s and 50s onward, even when you generally feel well.
If you notice changes that feel unusual or continue for an extended period, speaking with a healthcare professional is a practical part of managing your health.
If you use supplements or health foods, sharing the product name and daily intake with your healthcare provider can make it easier to review everything you are taking.
What to Check Before Adding Royal Jelly to Your Routine
Royal jelly products are available in several forms, including fresh royal jelly, powders, capsules and tablets.
When comparing products, consider the information on the label as well as the overall product presentation.
Useful points to check include:
- Amount of royal jelly
- Recommended daily intake
- 10-HDA information, where provided
- Raw material and processing method
- Full ingredient list
- Allergy information and warnings
- Storage instructions
- Manufacturing and quality-control information
- Form, convenience and cost
For more detail, see our guide: How to Choose Royal Jelly: Types, 10-HDA, Dosage and Important Considerations.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to bee products
Royal jelly is a bee-derived food.
People with a history of reactions to bee products, asthma or allergic conditions should check ingredients and warning information carefully and may wish to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before use.
If severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, or widespread hives occur after consumption, stop using the product and seek urgent medical attention.
If you take medications
If you are receiving medical treatment or regularly take prescription medicines, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before adding a new health food.
Keeping a list of supplements, health foods and daily amounts can make it easier to discuss possible interactions or concerns.
If you notice a change in how you feel
If you experience a change in your wellbeing after starting a product, stop using it and seek medical or pharmaceutical advice when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Jelly and Menopause
Q1. Is royal jelly only for women going through menopause?
Royal jelly is a food used by people across a range of age groups.
Several clinical studies have specifically involved postmenopausal women, and a systematic review and meta-analysis was published in 2026 examining this area of research.
Q2. Is royal jelly used as a treatment for menopausal disorders?
Royal jelly is consumed as a health food.
Medical treatments are also available for menopausal symptoms. If symptoms are significant or affect daily life, discussing them with a healthcare professional can help identify suitable options.
Q3. Can royal jelly replace female hormones?
Royal jelly is a food and is different from female hormones.
Research has examined royal jelly-derived compounds in relation to hormone-associated mechanisms, but royal jelly consumed as food and medically prescribed hormone therapy have different roles.
Q4. Has royal jelly been studied in relation to fatigue?
Yes. Studies have evaluated foods containing royal jelly in relation to fatigue and other self-reported symptoms.
Some of these test foods also contained other ingredients, so checking the complete study formula helps clarify what the findings apply to.
Q5. Can I start taking royal jelly in my 40s?
Royal jelly is not restricted to a particular starting age.
If you become more interested in health management in your 40s or 50s, it can be considered as one food option alongside balanced meals, sleep and regular physical activity.
Q6. Can royal jelly be used after menopause?
Clinical studies involving postmenopausal women have been conducted.
For personal use, follow the product’s recommended intake and warning information, and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have medical conditions or take medications.
Q7. Can royal jelly and honey be consumed together?
Royal jelly and honey are both bee-derived foods, but they are produced differently and have different nutritional compositions.
When using both, check the recommended intake, ingredients, allergy information and warnings for each product.
Q8. Can royal jelly be taken every day?
Many products are designed for regular daily use.
The amount of royal jelly and recommended serving can vary between products, so follow the instructions provided on the packaging or official product page.
Q9. If I take royal jelly, can I simplify the rest of my diet?
Everyday food remains the foundation of good nutrition.
Aim for a varied, balanced diet, and consider royal jelly as one optional food within that broader routine.
Q10. If I have menopausal symptoms, should I try royal jelly first?
Royal jelly can be considered as one food within an everyday health routine.
Research involving women around and after menopause can provide useful background information when considering royal jelly as a food.
If symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep difficulties, mood changes or significant fatigue continue or affect work, family life or sleep, seeking medical advice is important.
Health foods and medical care can each play different roles, and choosing the appropriate option based on your individual situation is the most practical approach.
Summary | Understanding Royal Jelly and Menopause Research
Royal jelly is a bee-derived food containing a range of components including proteins, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and 10-HDA.
In relation to women’s health, several clinical studies have involved postmenopausal women.
In 2018, a placebo-controlled study involving 42 Japanese postmenopausal women evaluated 800 mg of protease-treated royal jelly consumed daily for 12 weeks.
A study involving 200 postmenopausal women was published in 2019, while a systematic review and meta-analysis published online in late 2025 and in the journal Menopause in 2026 evaluated six studies involving 471 postmenopausal women.
Research has also examined combination foods containing royal jelly and theanine in relation to fatigue and other self-reported symptoms in women around menopause.
When interpreting these studies, it is useful to consider the raw material, processing method, dosage, duration, participant characteristics, outcome measures and any additional ingredients included in the study product.
Looking across multiple studies and study conditions gives a clearer picture of what is currently known about royal jelly and women’s health.
Health during and after menopause is also influenced by many factors, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, age, medical history and medications.
In your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, maintaining a balanced diet, regular activity, adequate rest, appropriate health checks and medical care when needed can all contribute to long-term wellbeing.
Royal jelly is best understood as one food option within a broader approach to healthy living, while research findings and individual product information should always be considered separately.
References
- Asama T, et al. Royal Jelly Supplementation Improves Menopausal Symptoms Such as Backache, Low Back Pain, and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Japanese Women. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018.
- Effect of royal jelly on menopausal symptoms: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2019.
- Ferraz SD, et al. Royal jelly for management of postmenopausal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Menopause. 2026;33(4):501-509.
- Clinical research involving a royal jelly- and theanine-containing food in menopausal women. 2008.
- Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan: General information on health foods.
*This article provides general information about royal jelly, menopause, postmenopausal women, women’s health and healthy lifestyle habits. The studies discussed were conducted under different conditions, including differences in raw materials, processing methods, dosage, duration, participants and outcome measures. Research findings should be considered separately from individual commercial products. Always check the ingredients, recommended intake and warnings provided with any royal jelly or health food product. If you are receiving medical treatment, taking medications, or have asthma or allergic conditions, consult a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional when appropriate. If menopausal symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life, seek medical advice.*
