Menopause products are now everywhere. Doctors are urging women to be very skeptical
Women suffering through the hot flashes, night sweats , mood changes and sleep problems that can come with menopause — all while looking in the mirror and noticing signs of aging — are being bombarded with products. More open conversations about menopause and the period leading up to it — called perimenopause — are happening at the same time that marketing has been supercharged by social media. Women are being confronted by lotions and serums and light masks that promise to rejuvenate their faces and necks, dietary supplements claiming to do everything from boost moods to ease hot flashes and gadgets promising to help with symptoms. “The marketing has gotten very, very aggressive. It’s pervasive,” said Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Santoro and other physicians say that before spending lots of money on products that make big promises, it’s important for women to talk to their doctors about what has actually been proven to help — and what could be harmful. “It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical,” Santoro said. A flood of marketing As menstruation winds down, women’s levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. In some women, the symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems. Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, said that in the past, doctors would ask women around the age of 50 during their yearly exam if they were noticing any symptoms. But now, she
As more women enter menopause and perimenopause, they are increasingly confronted with a barrage of products marketed as solutions to the physical and emotional changes that come with this life stage. From skincare products promising to reverse aging to dietary supplements claiming to alleviate hot flashes and boost mood, the market for menopause-related remedies has exploded. This surge in marketing, amplified by social media, has led to concerns among healthcare professionals that women may be making hasty decisions about treatments without proper guidance.
Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, warns that the aggressive and pervasive nature of menopause marketing can be misleading. She emphasizes the importance of women being skeptical and consulting their doctors before investing in products that make grandiose claims. "It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical," Santoro advises.
The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances, are a result of decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels as menstruation declines. In the past, doctors would inquire about these symptoms during routine check-ups for women over 50. However, Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, notes that today's patients are more proactive in initiating these conversations and even seeking separate appointments to discuss menopause-related issues.
At these consultations, many women admit to having already tried various products marketed as menopause solutions. Often, they come to their doctors because the products have proven ineffective or caused unintended side effects. "They're coming to see me because it's not effective or because it's caused some other side effect," Angel explains.
In response to the growing demand for menopause support, Angel's hospital has launched a menopause support group led by medical professionals. Participants in the group can discuss their experiences, share advice, and receive expert guidance on managing symptoms and making informed decisions about treatments.
While some products may offer temporary relief, healthcare professionals stress that the most effective approach to menopause is a combination of evidence-based medical advice and lifestyle adjustments. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy or other medications may be prescribed to alleviate severe symptoms.
As women navigate the complexities of menopause, it is crucial for them to approach the plethora of available products with caution. By prioritizing open communication with their healthcare providers and focusing on proven treatments, women can better manage the symptoms of this transitional period and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
