The internet can be your best friend or your worst enemy …
A few newsletters ago we talked about menowashing – how companies slap “menopause-friendly” on just about anything these days, often with little scientific evidence, in the hopes of cashing in on your desperate need for solutions.
Your feed fills with conflicting advice: take this supplement, avoid that food, try this expensive therapy. With so many voices shouting different recommendations, figuring out what’s actually legitimate has never been more challenging.
While the internet offers unprecedented access to information, that same access makes it dangerously easy to stumble down rabbit holes of misinformation. This is where critical thinking becomes an essential skill to protect both your wallet and your health and wellbeing.
But how can you tell the difference? Start by knowing that not all research is created equal.
When you spot a headline about a “revolutionary” menopause treatment, first ask: “What kind of study backs this claim?” Look at the study size, duration, and funding source. Is it a double-blind, randomized controlled trial (the gold standard) or an observational study?
It’s also important to evaluate the credentials of the person or people behind the product or service being promoted and how they make their money.
You owe it to yourself to ensure you understand the potential benefits and risks of any prescription, product, or service.
To help you become menopause savvy, we’ve curated these resources:
6 Questions to Ask
Stop falling for flashy headlines in your social feeds. This Women Living Better guide provides six critical questions to help you separate solid science from marketing hype before changing your health routine. ASK YOURSELF
Understanding Testing Standards
Dr. Jen Gunter’s steps to evaluating menopause content
Learn the red flags that instantly separate snake oil salespeople from legitimate experts who actually follow the science.
Before you buy that menopause supplement or book that expensive test, run through this quick mental checklist:
- Does the claim sound too good to be true?
- Could it be harmful? Do the benefits outweigh the risks for you?
- Is it promoted by someone who profits from it?
- Is it based on solid, gold-standard data or just glowing testimonials?
- Does it contradict major medical guidelines, like those set by the Menopause Society?
- Does it recognize that menopause is different for everyone, or does it promise one-size-fits-all solutions?
Truly reliable information embraces nuance and complexity. Anyone promising simple, universal solutions for something as individual as menopause probably has something to sell you.
See you next Thursday!
xoxo,
Mikelle & Michelle
