Managing Menopause Amid Product Overload
Many women going through menopause experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, not to mention the visible signs of aging. In this context, they’re facing a barrage of products aimed at alleviating these symptoms.
Open conversations about menopause, including the transitional phase known as perimenopause, are becoming more common. Simultaneously, social media has intensified marketing efforts. Women are now inundated with advertisements for lotions, serums, supplements, and gadgets that purport to alleviate various symptoms.
Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN at the University of Colorado Anschutz, commented on this trend, noting that “the marketing has gotten very, very aggressive. It’s pervasive.”
She and other medical professionals are urging caution. Before investing heavily in products that make grand claims, it’s advisable for women to consult their doctors regarding treatments that are backed by scientific evidence, as well as those that may be ineffective or even harmful.
“It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical,” Santoro added.
As menstrual cycles wind down, hormonal levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, decline. Symptoms can vary greatly, including hot flashes, sleep issues, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
Dr. Angela Angel, another OB-GYN, mentioned a notable shift in patient behavior. Traditionally, women would be asked during annual exams about symptoms around age 50. Now, many are proactively scheduling appointments to discuss their concerns.
Interestingly, some patients come in after trying various remedies that didn’t work or caused side effects. Her hospital has even initiated a menopause support group that will soon address navigating the overwhelming marketing landscape.
Products marketed towards women in this phase include an array of items like bracelets purportedly easing hot flashes and specialized bedding.
Santoro emphasizes the need for women to consider the cost versus any potential benefits. “If it’s a bracelet that’s going to cost you $20, it’s not a big expenditure. It might provide some improvement,” she explained, suggesting also that women should return to their doctors for evidence-based treatments when needed.
Although dietary supplements haven’t been convincingly proven in rigorous studies to help with hot flashes, they usually come with low costs and risks. If women are keen on experimenting with products they find online, it’s crucial to inform their doctors for proper monitoring and advice.
Medical professionals highlight that many over-the-counter products labeled for menopausal women are not significantly different in terms of ingredients than regular versions. Some may even carry side effects.
Dr. Monica Christmas, who leads a menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine, pointed out that not every woman experiences the same symptoms, with some facing significant challenges while others may have few or none. She stressed the importance of seeking medical support.
Prescribed hormone therapies can alleviate symptoms, as can certain non-hormonal medications, though some women are advised against hormone therapy due to prior medical complications.
“Not everybody needs hormone therapy,” Angel noted, underscoring that it isn’t suitable for every woman.
Doctors also recommend regular exercise and a balanced diet as effective in managing weight and, consequently, reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Santoro adds that avoiding alcohol can also help mitigate symptoms.
“Many of the symptoms actually get better over time,” Christmas said, reminding women sometimes it’s about lifestyle changes and self-care to ride out this turbulent period.
Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old librarian from Dallas, realized she was entering perimenopause last year during a birthday dinner when she experienced extreme temperature fluctuations. After consulting her doctor, she was prescribed an estrogen patch, which proved beneficial. Although she notices the reminders of aging, she also embraces this phase and advises, “Laugh. It’s OK. Reach out to others experiencing what you are going through, don’t take it so seriously.”
Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, explains that menopause leads to skin changes due to reduced collagen and hyaluronic acid. She suggests using prescribed retinoids or over-the-counter retinol to boost collagen production and minimize wrinkles. Good moisturizers containing ceramides are also advisable for hydration.
However, she cautions against products with too many additives, as even natural ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Even though marketers push ingestible collagen as a remedy, she warns evidence is inconclusive regarding its skin benefits. Light masks may offer some benefit but require consistent long-term use. Consistent application of sunscreen is critical to combat sun-related skin aging.
