DALLAS — Navigating Menopause Amid Marketing Pressures
Women experiencing symptoms of menopause—like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances—often struggle with the visible signs of aging. At the same time, they’re inundated with various products claiming to offer relief or rejuvenation.
There’s a growing trend of open discussions around menopause and its precursor, perimenopause, driven by the rapid pace of social media marketing. Women are facing an overwhelming array of options, from lotions and dietary supplements to gadgets designed to alleviate their symptoms.
Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor, notes that the aggressive nature of this marketing is hard to miss, urging women to consult healthcare professionals before investing in treatments. “It’s wise to approach these products with skepticism,” she advised.
The Marketing Surge
As menstruation declines, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which may result in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep issues. Dr. Angela Angel, another OB-GYN, explained that patients now tend to initiate conversations about these concerns during separate appointments rather than waiting for their annual check-ups.
She often hears from patients who have already tried various products that didn’t work or had undesirable side effects. To address these issues, her hospital recently launched a menopause support group, partly to help women sift through the barrage of marketing claims.
Products available during this life stage vary widely, ranging from bracelets that claim to soothe hot flashes to specialized bedding. Santoro recommends evaluating the cost relative to potential benefits. For example, a $20 bracelet might not be a significant financial loss, but for more substantial expenses, it’s best to discuss options with a doctor.
While many dietary supplements are marketed for hot flashes, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Santoro encourages women to inform their healthcare providers about any new products they wish to try.
Doctor Insights
Dr. Monica Christmas, director of a menopause program, emphasizes that symptoms vary greatly among women. Some may experience minimal effects, while others face more severe challenges. The key takeaway is to seek professional advice.
Healthcare practitioners often prescribe hormone therapy or non-hormonal medications to manage symptoms, but this isn’t universally applicable. “Not every woman needs or is a candidate for hormone therapy,” Angel pointed out.
Incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet can also significantly alleviate symptoms and may help with weight management, thereby reducing hot flashes. Additionally, avoiding alcohol is a recommendation for those experiencing more intense symptoms.
Christmas highlights that many symptoms naturally improve with time. Sometimes, lifestyle changes and self-care are all that are needed to navigate this transitional phase.
Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old librarian, realized she was in perimenopause after feeling cold then excessively hot during a birthday dinner. After consulting with her doctor and receiving an estrogen patch, she felt better. Even though she’s noticed targeted advertising, she prioritized seeking medical advice first.
Although McGruder finds the symptoms challenging as a reminder of aging, she has a positive outlook, saying, “Laugh. It’s OK. Connect with others going through similar experiences and don’t take it too seriously.”
Skin Health Concerns
As women age and go through menopause, skin can become thinner due to collagen loss. Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist, recommends over-the-counter retinoids or prescribed retinoids to promote collagen production and reduce wrinkles. Choosing moisturizers with ceramides is another effective suggestion.
Mauskar warns against products filled with additives, stressing that not all natural ingredients are beneficial. There’s also a lot of buzz around ingestible collagen, but research on its effectiveness is inconclusive. Although light therapy might show some promise, results typically require consistent use over a long period.
She emphasizes the importance of daily sunscreen to mitigate sun damage, a major contributor to skin aging. Despite a plethora of new products being marketed to menopausal women, Mauskar believes that tried-and-true methods backed by scientific evidence are often the most reliable options.
