Perimenopause, the transitional life stage preceding menopause, has gained significant visibility through social media and influencer discourse. However, medical professionals warn that this increased attention is often accompanied by misleading advice, unnecessary spending on supplements, and the improper use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Perimenopause typically begins around age 46 or 47, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels and symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and irregular periods. Mary Ann Lumsden, former president of the International Menopause Society, notes that symptoms can be particularly intense during this phase because hormone levels are in constant flux. Because these levels change so rapidly, experts emphasize that there is no reliable blood test to diagnose the condition.

The rise in online content has led to a trend of women seeking HRT as a default solution for various midlife ailments. Paula Briggs, who leads the menopause service at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, describes this push as "almost cult-like." Experts point out that HRT is primarily designed for post-menopausal women whose hormone levels have stabilized. Administering these treatments during perimenopause can be ineffective or cause complications, such as abnormal bleeding. Furthermore, some conditions, such as endometriosis, may be exacerbated by hormone therapy.

Beyond HRT, the market for supplements targeting middle-aged women has expanded rapidly, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. Lumsden notes that some products marketed as testosterone supplements have shown no measurable impact on patients' hormone levels.

Medical researchers also caution against attributing all physical and mental challenges faced by women in their 40s to hormonal changes. Nanette Santoro, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, states that blaming every unpleasant experience after age 35 on perimenopause lacks scientific backing. Experts advise that women experiencing persistent symptoms should seek professional medical evaluation to rule out other underlying health conditions rather than relying on social media trends.

Source: MIT Technology Review