Perimenopause has become a trending topic on social media, driven by influencers and TV doctors promoting blood tests, symptom-tracking apps, and specific supplements. However, many experts warn that most of this information is misleading and can lead to incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatments.
Perimenopause is a natural phase but not all symptoms are hormonal
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably. It typically begins around age 46-47 and can last several years. Symptoms include hot flashes, irregular periods, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. However, attributing every discomfort to this phase is a mistake. Dr. Nanette Santoro, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Anschutz, emphasizes that attributing everything unpleasant that happens to a woman over 35 to perimenopause is not based on any scientific evidence. It is important to consider other possible causes such as stress, endometriosis, or other medical conditions.
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Hormone tests are unreliable for diagnosing perimenopause
Many women undergo blood tests to measure estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, hoping for a clear diagnosis. But Dr. Mary Ann Lumsden, former president of the International Menopause Society, explains that you cannot interpret hormone measures because they change so much. Values fluctuate day by day, rendering tests useless and misleading. Instead of spending money on unnecessary analyses, women should consult a doctor for a symptom-based evaluation and medical history.
Hormone replacement therapy is not suitable for all perimenopausal women
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often presented as a universal solution for menopause symptoms. However, clinical trials have been conducted mainly on menopausal women, not perimenopausal ones. Dr. Paula Briggs, former chair of the British Menopause Society, warns that administering standard HRT to perimenopausal women can cause abnormal bleeding and may not have the desired effect because it is suppressed by natural hormone production. It is almost cult-like, this idea that everybody must have HRT, Briggs says. Women should discuss specific risks and benefits with their doctor.
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Supplements and apps promise miracles but lack scientific evidence
The market for perimenopause supplements has exploded, with products claiming to alleviate hot flashes, fatigue, and brain fog. However, Dr. Lumsden notes that for many of these, there is no clear mechanism of action. Some patients reported taking testosterone, but blood tests showed no increase in testosterone levels, suggesting the products did not contain what was claimed. Symptom-tracking apps can also create anxiety and lead to misinterpretation. As with other digital trends, it is essential to verify sources. In a context of growing online misinformation, caution is warranted.
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The role of social media and influencers in spreading hype
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified simplistic messages about perimenopause, pushing women to ask their doctors for HRT or to buy over-the-counter supplements. Dr. Briggs is concerned about this phenomenon, which she calls almost cult-like. Younger women are encouraged to identify as perimenopausal based on vague symptoms, risking neglect of other conditions. Social pressure can lead to unnecessary treatments. As in other health areas, it is important to be wary of easy promises and rely on authoritative sources.
For more information on perimenopause, you can consult the Wikipedia page. The original article appeared on MIT Technology Review and provides a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon.
