Menopause industry corruption creep and the harm it spreads

You’ve probably seen a menopause doctor or influencer promoting an HRT product as she waves it in a reel. In a more recent trend, doctors and influencers are also encouraging their viewers to turn their estrogen cream (used down there) into an “anti-aging” face cream.

What are the risks of slathering vaginal estrogen on your face?

We don’t know.

How does it mix with retinol, sunscreen, or everyday pollutants?

We also don't know.

And what about the people (and pets) receiving secondary exposure from topical hormones?

There isn’t enough research to give us a definitive answer, but published case studies are alarming. Over a decade ago, the FDA issued a product warning after young children exposed to an estrogen spray showed signs of premature puberty. Undesirable hormonal symptoms have also been seen in pets following secondary exposure to HRT products.

Pushing HRT as if it's a harmless fruit snack is a violation of advertising laws. Advertising laws exist for a reason: to protect patients and ensure informed consent.

HRT is a prescription-only medicine (POM). In most countries (including the UK and countries in the EU) you can't promote POMs directly to the public. Even in the US, where direct advertisements are allowed, the ads must mention risks and avoid misleading hype. These rules are being ignored across social media and even on mainstream TV, where network legal teams are turning a blind eye.

HRT comes with many possible side-effects, ranging from a worsening of mental health to an increased risk of stroke. It should not be prescribed to women with certain health conditions and medical histories. Despite the exaggerated claims made by meno influencers, HRT does not offer long-term preventive health benefits for women who journey through natural menopause. For these women, it’s not proven to extend lifespan, prevent heart disease, protect the brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s, or serve as an anti-aging treatment.

HRT is not a lifestyle intervention and should not be marketed as such.

So, why are regulators silent on the widespread promotion of HRT in mainstream and social media?

There’s only one reason: corruption.

The influence of pharmaceutical corporations is huge and damaging.

Women’s opinions on menopause and HRT are being engineered by a drive for increased profits, not by a concern for women’s health.

Every time you see an influencer hold up an HRT product, show you how to use it, sing its praises, know that it’s a sign of a deeply corrupt medical system.

Corruption never leads to better health.

In the case of HRT, corruption is leading to women in natural menopause taking medicine they don’t need, while dismissing minor side effects with a hope of long-term health gains, which evidence does not support.

All medicines come with risks.

Ask questions.

Demand true informed consent. Read the product inserts, which you can find online via the MHRA in the UK, EMA in Europe, or FDA in the US.

Protect yourself while the government and its regulators are failing to act on your behalf.