Understanding perimenopause: Separating facts from hype

2 October 2025 | Gynaecology

Women navigating perimenopause are often faced with a flood of products, advice, and social media claims. Professor Martha Hickey, Head of Menopause Services at the Women’s, says this can make it hard to know what is reliable.

“The risk is that women get bombarded with non-evidence-based information,” Prof. Hickey says. Misattributing symptoms like low mood or fatigue to perimenopause can mean women don’t receive the right care.

Perimenopause usually starts at around age 47. Prof. Hickey advises against labelling oneself as perimenopausal too early.

“The commercial creep of perimenopause implies that hormones are always causing some sort of problem for women” she says.

“The idea that hormones control women’s physical and mental health is quite outdated."

Supplements and wellness products promise to ease symptoms like hot flashes and brain fog. Prof. Hickey points out that some women might need nutrients like iron for heavy bleeding. Yet, most over-the-counter or online products lack solid proof of their effectiveness.

“It’s really hard for women to know where to go to get trusted advice,” she adds. Social media can amplify misinformation and commercial interests. Prof. Hickey suggests a simple consideration: “Is that person trying to sell you something? That’s usually a clue.”

Research and medical training on perimenopause are limited. “There is a real evidence gap around the experience of perimenopause,” she says. "It can be hard to separate hormonal changes from other factors like stress or ageing."

Prof. Hickey emphasises the importance of education and trusted guidance. “We need to empower women as much as possible with knowledge and access to trusted sources that are not commercially driven,” she says. With reliable information, women can understand their bodies better. This helps them make informed choices about their health.

To mark Menopause Awareness Month this October, we’re sharing reliable and evidence-based information on perimenopause and symptom management all available here: Healthdirect | Perimenopause