Saffron for menopause relief: a natural way to support mood, sleep and libido

For many women in their 40s and 50s, perimenopause and menopause can feel like an emotional and physical upheaval.

Mood swings, anxiety, disrupted sleep, low libido, and hot flushes are all too common. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antidepressants are often prescribed, a growing number of women are seeking natural, evidence-based solutions to support their wellbeing during this life stage.

One promising option is saffron – not just a culinary spice, but a clinically researched botanical that has shown real benefits for mood, sleep, and emotional balance. A patented extract called Affron® has been the focus of multiple human studies and is featured at the full clinical dose of 30 mg in our supplement, Better Night™ – a natural sleep and stress formula designed specifically for women in midlife.

Why Saffron?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) contains active compounds like crocin and safranal, which influence key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation – including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are often impacted during perimenopause and menopause, contributing to anxiety, low mood, and irritability.

Saffron works by gently supporting this neurochemical balance, without acting as a hormone. Unlike phytoestrogens or synthetic hormones, saffron does not mimic oestrogen or disrupt endocrine function. This makes it a safe and versatile option, especially for women who cannot or choose not to take HRT.

Backed by Clinical Research

One of the largest menopause-focused studies on saffron involved 86 women aged 40 to 60 who took 28 mg of Affron® saffron extract daily for 12 weeks. According to the results published in the Journal of Menopausal Medicine, participants experienced:

• A 33% reduction in anxiety symptoms
• A 32% reduction in depressive symptoms
• Significant improvement in emotional wellbeing without any major side effects

Read the study summary here.

Better Night™ contains 30 mg of Affron® – slightly more than the clinically studied dose – to ensure full support for mood balance, calm, and mental clarity during perimenopause.

Sleep Support Without Hormones

Insomnia and sleep disturbances are among the most frustrating menopause symptoms. Night sweats, stress, and shifting hormones can make restful sleep elusive. Fortunately, saffron has also been shown to help improve sleep quality in several studies.

In a placebo-controlled trial involving adults with poor sleep, both 14 mg and 28 mg of Affron® saffron taken daily improved:

• Sleep latency (falling asleep faster)
• Sleep duration
• Morning energy and alertness

View the full study results here.

Better Night™ includes 30 mg of Affron® to help you fall asleep more easily, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling rested.

Libido and Intimacy

A decline in sexual desire is another common (and often distressing) symptom of menopause. Stress, fatigue, low mood, and hormonal shifts can all dampen libido. Saffron, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, is now supported by modern science for its role in improving sexual function in women.

In a clinical trial, women taking 30 mg of saffron daily for 6 weeks experienced:

• 62% improvement in their Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores
• Greater desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction

Read the full trial on PubMed.

Better Night™ supports libido both indirectly through mood and stress support, and potentially directly through saffron’s role in supporting pleasure-related neurotransmitters like dopamine.

What About Hot Flushes?

Although saffron is not a direct treatment for hot flushes, it may help by calming the nervous system and reducing the anxiety and stress that often intensify them. Since hot flushes can be triggered by emotional stress or disrupted sleep, saffron’s mood-stabilising and sleep-supporting effects can make them less frequent or easier to manage.

Some women who use Better Night™ report that while their flushes haven't disappeared entirely, they feel more resilient and less reactive, thanks to better emotional regulation and more consistent rest.

Why Choose Better Night?

Better Night  is uniquely formulated for women navigating the menopause transition, offering:

• 30 mg of clinically studied Affron® saffron extract
• A non-hormonal, non-sedative formula
• Support for mood, sleep, stress, and libido
• A trusted, natural solution backed by science

Shop Better Night now.

The Takeaway

Perimenopause and menopause don’t have to mean giving up on restful sleep, emotional balance, or intimacy. Nature provides options – and saffron, especially the clinically tested Affron® extract, is one of the most promising.

Better Night™ combines the full clinical dose of Affron® (30 mg) in a simple daily capsule, supporting better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced resilience during the menopause transition – without the use of hormones or harsh medications.

Explore Better Night today and discover a natural way to restore calm, clarity, and comfort during midlife.

References

1. Lopresti, A. L., & Smith, S. J. (2021). The effects of a saffron extract (Affron®) on menopausal symptoms in women during perimenopause. NutraIngredients.
2. Lopresti, A. L., et al. (2020). Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (PubMed).
3. Kashani, L., et al. (2022). Crocus sativus (saffron) in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. PubMed.
4. Montemarano, M. (2021). Saffron extract may help menopause symptoms. Nutraceuticals World.
5. Tóth, B., et al. (2019). The efficacy of saffron in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a meta-analysis. Planta Medica (PubMed).