The Menopause Industry Uncovered

Did you see this Panorama programme?

Chances are, even if you haven't watched it yet, you have heard about it. As soon as it came out I had clients asking me what I thought and saying it had frightened them. So, for what it's worth, here is my opinion on it...

The menopause industry (and the health industry in general) is booming and there are so many new products, "influencers" and celebrities making promises that are just not backed by any decent research. It's massively confusing and my clients often say they are totally bamboozled, not knowing where to start.

There is still such a stigma regarding HRT (a hangover from the infamous Women's Health Initiative study), that women often seek out a "natural" solution before heading down the path of hormone therapy, and an industry has been built capitalising on this. My advice would be that anyone

offering you a wonder drug or quick fix, should be treated with the utmost caution!

You won't be surprised when I say that I believe that diet and lifestyle modifications can make a massive difference to your menopause experience. I see it all the time with my clients, who regain their energy and feel more like themselves by making changes. Yes, I do recommend supplements to clients, but there is no one-size fits all and they should be used with caution. I always cross check any interactions with any medications and health conditions, because they can have a powerful effect.

As to the programme's negative views on Dr Newson, I cannot talk about HRT levels as that is outside my scope of practice but I would suggest that she has done more to positively promote women's health than many others. The industry is thriving in part because the NHS is failing to help and voices, especially qualified medical ones like Dr Newson, are helping drive much needed change.