Women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep issues during menopause—while also noticing signs of aging—are being bombarded with products.
The Marketing Surge
Open conversations about menopause and perimenopause are happening alongside a marketing boom fueled by social media. Women are confronted with lotions, serums, light masks, dietary supplements, and gadgets promising to rejuvenate skin, boost moods, and ease symptoms.
Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, warns: “The marketing has gotten very, very aggressive. It’s pervasive.”
Skepticism is Key
Doctors emphasize that before spending money on products with big promises, women should consult their doctors about what’s proven to help—and what could be harmful.
“It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical,” Santoro advises.
Symptoms and Solutions
As menstruation winds down, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems.
Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, notes that patients are now initiating conversations about menopause, often after trying products that didn’t work or caused side effects.
Navigating the Onslaught
Products range from bracelets and rings claiming to ease hot flashes to cooling blankets and dietary supplements. Santoro suggests balancing cost against potential benefit: “If it’s a bracelet that’s going to cost you $20, it’s not a big expenditure. It might provide some improvement.”
However, she stresses the importance of evidence-based treatment from healthcare providers.
Dietary Supplements and Risks
Dietary supplements haven’t been proven in multiple well-done studies to alleviate hot flashes, though many are low-cost with low harm potential. Doctors warn that over-the-counter products marketed for menopausal women often aren’t different ingredient-wise from regular products, and some could have side effects.
Medical Help and Lifestyle Changes
Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine, highlights that symptoms vary widely. Seeking medical help is crucial.
Doctors say hormone therapy or nonhormonal medication prescribed by a doctor can help, but not everyone is a candidate. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol can also alleviate symptoms.
“Many of the symptoms actually get better over time, so sometimes it really is just a matter of lifestyle modifications and self-care,” Christmas explains.
Personal Experience
Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old school librarian, realized she was in perimenopause after experiencing temperature swings. She consulted her doctor, who prescribed an estrogen patch that helped. McGruder advises: “Laugh. It’s OK. Reach out to others experiencing what you are going through, don’t take it so serious.”
Skin Care Realities
Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist, notes that skin changes during menopause include thinning due to collagen loss. Prescribed retinoids or over-the-counter retinol can help, along with moisturizers containing ceramides.
She warns against ingestible collagen and light masks, which may not deliver promised results. Consistent use of sunscreen is essential to prevent wrinkles from sun damage.
“Sometimes the tried and true things that we at least have the science for I think still are my kind of gold standard for my patients,” Mauskar concludes.
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