A series of research papers published in The Lancet by medical researchers from the US, UK, and Australia has brought attention to the problematic portrayal of menopause as a medical problem by companies for profit, leading to misinformation and the promotion of ineffective treatments. According to the research, this approach contrasts sharply with perceptions in lower-income countries, where aging and menopause are often viewed more positively.

The lead author, Prof Martha Hickey from the University of Melbourne, highlighted concerns about the negative portrayal of menopause in the media and the influence of pharmaceutical companies in promoting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a primary solution. While HRT can be effective for specific symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, the research indicates it is less effective for other symptoms and carries a risk of breast cancer.

Experts from the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne and King’s College London have called for a shift in perspective, advocating that menopause should not be overly medicalised and that women should be empowered with knowledge and tools for self-management. They stress that menopause is a natural life stage, not a disease. The experts suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and lifestyle adjustments could be more beneficial for managing symptoms than HRT alone.

Furthermore, the research contradicts the notion that menopause inevitably leads to a decline in mental health, finding no conclusive evidence to support an increased risk of mental health disorders during this life stage. Instead, experts encourage a view of menopause as a part of healthy aging, emphasizing the need for support and preparation to navigate this transition positively.

The findings have sparked calls for a societal reevaluation of menopause, moving away from its portrayal as a medical issue to be “fixed” and towards empowering women through this natural phase of life. The aim is to offer women more balanced and realistic information about menopause and available treatment options, including the importance of lifestyle factors and the potential benefits of non-medical interventions such as talking therapy.