Experts warn of menopause misinformation risks, unwanted pregnancies
The Story
According to a Guardian opinion piece, experts have issued a warning about perimenopause and menopause misinformation online. Dr Paula Briggs, a consultant in sexual and reproductive health, said she has seen women in abortion care services who were “gobsmacked” to discover they were pregnant, having believed they were no longer fertile due to perimenopause. Dr Channa Jayasena, a reproductive endocrinology expert, warned that some women may be mislabeled as having perimenopause when they have other medical conditions. Campaigning gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter has also cautioned against this trend. In the US, doctors recently warned about “very aggressive” marketing of meno-washed products and supplements that make promises without good scientific evidence. The article also cites a Mumsnet report drawing on a decade of user posts, which paints a picture of women failing to get needed healthcare, with symptoms “brushed aside, treated as psychological, or simply not believed.” A survey published with the report found that 64% of women said they had been explicitly told pain or symptoms were “normal” or “in their head.”
Key Facts
- Experts issued a warning about perimenopause and menopause misinformation online.
- Dr Paula Briggs reported unwanted pregnancies in women who believed they were no longer fertile.
- Dr Channa Jayasena warned of mislabeling perimenopause when other issues exist.
- Dr Jen Gunter also warned about the trend.
- US doctors warned about aggressive marketing of meno-washed products and supplements without good evidence.
- A Mumsnet report and survey found 64% of women were told pain or symptoms were “normal” or “in their head.”
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
The article addresses the misconception that common symptoms are always perimenopause, warning that they could be other health conditions.
Key Figures
Dr Paula Briggs, consultant in sexual and reproductive health Dr Channa Jayasena, reproductive endocrinology expert Dr Jen Gunter, campaigning gynaecologist
Sources: The Guardian
