DALLAS — Understanding Menopause Products
Women experiencing menopause deal with hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disruptions—while also witnessing signs of aging in the mirror. This combo can feel overwhelming, especially with a barrage of products hitting the market.
There’s been an increase in discussions about menopause and its precursor, perimenopause. Simultaneously, the marketing landscape has exploded, largely thanks to social media. Women find themselves inundated with lotions, serums, dietary supplements promising mood boosts or relief from hot flashes, and various gadgets aimed at alleviating symptoms.
Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, described the current marketing as “very, very aggressive” and pervasive. She and other medical professionals emphasize the importance of consulting with healthcare providers before diving into expensive products that make bold claims.
Overwhelming Marketing
As menstruation subsides, levels of estrogen and progesterone diminish, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness for some women. Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, noted that patients are now initiating conversations about these symptoms during appointments, often having already tried various remedies.
Many women are seeking help either because their attempts haven’t worked or have caused other issues. In response, her hospital has set up a menopause support group, which will tackle the marketing overload in a future session.
Products marketed to women at this stage of life range from rings and bracelets claiming to ease symptoms to cooling bedding. Santoro advises patients to weigh the cost against potential benefits, suggesting that a relatively low expense might still offer some relief.
Dietary supplements typically lack solid scientific backing for hot flash relief, yet many are low-cost and pose minimal risks. She encourages women to keep their doctors informed about any online purchases to ensure safe oversight.
Doctors generally agree that many over-the-counter products marketed for menopausal women are not substantively different from regular offerings in terms of ingredients. There are also concerns about possible side effects from some products.
Medical Guidance
Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine, pointed out that no two women experience the same set of symptoms. Some women may go through menopause with minimal or no issues, while others may face more significant challenges. The essential step is seeking medical assistance.
Hormone therapy can help manage symptoms, but not everyone is a suitable candidate for it. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also make a noticeable difference. These lifestyle changes can assist with weight management, which is linked to reduced hot flashes and night sweats. Furthermore, avoiding alcohol may lessen hot flashes, as noted by Santoro.
“Many symptoms improve with time,” Christmas shared, emphasizing that often, lifestyle adjustments and self-care can help women navigate this challenging period.
Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old school librarian from Dallas, realized she was entering perimenopause when she experienced extreme temperature fluctuations during her birthday dinner. After consulting her doctor, she was prescribed an estrogen patch that provided relief. Though aware of the products aimed at her demographic, her doctor’s advice was her primary step. While she acknowledges the aging associated with these symptoms, she also embraces this life phase, encouraging others to “laugh” and connect with those going through similar experiences.
Skin Changes and Care
Additionally, skin undergoes changes both due to aging and menopause, as conditions like collagen and hyaluronic acid decrease, resulting in thinner skin, according to Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She recommends using prescribed retinoids or over-the-counter retinols to boost collagen production and reduce wrinkles.
Good moisturizers, especially those with ceramides, can be found at local drugstores. However, she advises caution against products with excessive additives. Although ingestible collagen is popular, research is mixed on its effectiveness for skin appearance. Light therapy masks might help but improvements take time.
Mauskar stresses that sun damage contributes significantly to wrinkles, making consistent sunscreen use essential. “There’s a lot of new marketing aimed at menopausal patients,” she remarked, “but sometimes the classic, scientifically backed treatments remain the most effective.”
