Menopause products are flooding the market. Doctors say evidence should come first
As perimenopause (the transitional years leading up to menopause) and menopause become more openly discussed, women are being met with a growing wave of products marketed to ease symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disruption. Lotions, supplements, light therapy masks, wearable devices and cooling bedding are among the offerings, many aimed at a demographic increasingly comfortable discussing these changes on social media. Physicians caution that the pace of marketing has outstripped the evidence behind many of these products, and recommend a sceptical, doctor-led approach before spending on unproven treatments.
A market driven by conversation and social media
Menopause occurs when menstruation ends and levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone decline, a shift that can bring on hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems. Physicians report a marked change in how women approach these symptoms: rather than raising them briefly during a routine annual exam, patients are now booking dedicated appointments to discuss perimenopause and menopause specifically, often having already tried a product recommended online. Many return to their doctor only once that product has failed or caused a side effect. In response, some hospitals have introduced dedicated menopause support groups, with upcoming sessions specifically addressing how to navigate the volume of marketing aimed at this life stage.
What the evidence actually supports
Dietary supplements marketed for hot flushes have not been shown in well-designed studies to be effective, though most carry low cost and low risk of harm. Doctors advise that any supplement or over-the-counter product a patient is considering should be discussed with their physician beforehand, both to assess plausibility and to allow monitoring for interactions or side effects. Many over-the-counter items marketed specifically to menopausal women, whether supplements, shampoos or skincare, are not meaningfully different in formulation from standard versions of the same product. Prescribed hormone therapy and non-hormonal medication remain the treatment options with the strongest evidence base, though hormone therapy is not appropriate for every patient and suitability should be assessed individually. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and reduced alcohol intake are also associated with fewer or milder hot flushes and night sweats, and many symptoms ease naturally over time.
Skin changes during menopause
Skin thins during menopause as collagen and hyaluronic acid production decline, a change compounded by normal ageing. Prescription retinoids or over-the-counter retinol can support collagen production and reduce the visible signs of this thinning. Moisturisers containing ceramides, which help the skin retain moisture, are recommended over products with lengthy ingredient lists, as botanical or “natural” additives can act as contact allergens and increase sensitivity. Ingestible collagen supplements remain unproven, with mixed study results on whether collagen taken orally reaches the skin at all. LED light therapy masks are not harmful and some studies suggest modest benefit, but any visible improvement typically requires consistent daily use over an extended period rather than a short course. Consistent sunscreen use remains one of the most effective, evidence-backed measures against visible skin ageing at any life stage.
Source: CNN, «Menopause products are having a hot minute. But doctors urge women to be wary of the marketing surge», Associated Press
