Trending Now - Surge in Menopause Products Raises Caution Among Doctors

WHO:

ABC News - Dr. Mary Claire Have, board-certified OBGYN, has released a new book titled “The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again.”

ABC News - Dr. Nanette Santoro, OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz

ABC News - Dr. Angela Angel, OB-GYN with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

ABC News - Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine

ABC News - Dr. Melissa Mauskar, dermatologist and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas

ABC News - Brandi McGruder, 49-year-old school librarian from Dallas

WHAT:

ABC News - Dr. Angela Angel reported that many patients are now coming to appointments having already tried menopause products, often due to ineffectiveness or side effects.

ABC News - Dr. Nanette Santoro stated that dietary supplements have not been proven effective in multiple well-done studies to alleviate hot flashes.

ABC News - Dr. Melissa Mauskar warned that ingestible collagen studies are mixed and that it does not guarantee improvement in skin appearance.

ABC News - Dr. Angela Angel reported that patients are now making separate appointments to discuss menopause symptoms, indicating a shift in how women are approaching their health care.

ABC News - Dr. Nanette Santoro advised that if a product costs around $20, it may not be a significant expenditure, but emphasized the importance of evidence-based treatment for effective relief.

ABC News - Dr. Monica Christmas stated that not all women experience the same symptoms during menopause, with some experiencing few or none, while others face a variety of symptoms.

ABC News - Dr. Angela Angel's hospital has recently started a menopause support group led by doctors, with an upcoming session focused on helping women navigate marketing related to menopause products.

ABC News - Women are experiencing symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems.

ABC News - There is a surge in products marketed to women experiencing menopause, including lotions, serums, dietary supplements, and gadgets.

ABC News - Dr. Santoro advises women to be skeptical of products making big promises and to consult their doctors.

ABC News - Dietary supplements have not been proven effective in alleviating hot flashes in well-done studies.

ABC News - Hormone therapy can help with menopause symptoms, but not everyone is a candidate for it.

WHERE:

ABC News - Dallas, Texas

ABC News - University of Colorado Anschutz

ABC News - Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

ABC News - University of Chicago Medicine

ABC News - UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas

WHEN:

ABC News - Brandi McGruder realized she was in perimenopause in 2025 when she experienced symptoms during her birthday dinner.

WHY:

ABC News - Increased marketing of menopause products is driven by more open conversations about menopause and perimenopause, amplified by social media.

HOW:

ABC News - Dr. Melissa Mauskar recommended using moisturizers with ceramides to help keep skin hydrated during menopause and cautioned against products with excessive additive ingredients.

ABC News - Dr. Melissa Mauskar recommended using moisturizers with ceramides to help keep skin hydrated during menopause.

ABC News - Dr. Melissa Mauskar recommends using a prescribed retinoid or an over-the-counter retinol to assist with collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles during menopause.

ABC News - Women are encouraged to consult their doctors before trying new products to ensure safety and effectiveness.

ABC News - Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended to help alleviate menopause symptoms.

ABC News - Avoiding alcohol is suggested as it can worsen hot flashes.

(UPDATED April 7, 2026 01:21 UTC)

Dr. Angela Angel reported that many patients are arriving at appointments having already tried various menopause products, often due to ineffectiveness or side effects. Dr. Nanette Santoro emphasized that dietary supplements have not been proven effective in well-conducted studies for alleviating hot flashes, while Dr. Melissa Mauskar warned that studies on ingestible collagen show mixed results and do not guarantee improvements in skin appearance. To help keep skin hydrated during menopause, Dr. Mauskar recommended using moisturizers with ceramides and advised caution against products that contain excessive additive ingredients.

(UPDATED April 6, 2026 17:12 UTC)

A recent report from Dr. Angela Angel highlights a growing trend where patients are scheduling separate appointments to discuss menopause symptoms, reflecting a new approach to women's health care. Dr. Nanette Santoro noted that while products around $20 may not seem like a major expense, it's crucial to rely on evidence-based treatments for effective relief, and Dr. Monica Christmas pointed out that menopause symptoms can vary widely among women, with some experiencing few or none at all. To help manage skin hydration during this time, Dr. Melissa Mauskar recommended using moisturizers that contain ceramides.

(UPDATED April 6, 2026 15:13 UTC)

Dr. Mary Claire Have, a board-certified OBGYN, has just released a new book titled “The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again.” In addition, Dr. Angela Angel's hospital has launched a menopause support group led by doctors, with a session coming up that will help women navigate marketing related to menopause products. Meanwhile, Dr. Melissa Mauskar suggests using a prescribed retinoid or an over-the-counter retinol to boost collagen production and minimize the appearance of wrinkles during menopause.

(UPDATED April 6, 2026 09:18 UTC)

Women are increasingly experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, prompting a surge in products marketed to help alleviate these issues. Experts like Dr. Nanette Santoro from the University of Colorado Anschutz caution that while hormone therapy can be effective, not everyone is a candidate, and women should consult their doctors before trying new products. Brandi McGruder, a school librarian from Dallas, realized she was in perimenopause in 2025, highlighting the importance of open conversations about menopause, which have been amplified by social media.