Menopause "Gold Rush" Leaves Women Vulnerable to Financial Exploitation

Strategic Insights -

A lack of reliable information on menopause has created a "gold rush" for private companies, leaving women vulnerable to financial exploitation and misinformation, according to experts from University College London (UCL). A survey of over 1,500 women aged 50 found that 77% felt they were only "somewhat informed" or "not informed" about menopause, with just 22% reporting feeling well-informed. The researchers called for a national education programme to improve knowledge among the estimated 13 million peri- or postmenopausal women in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

  • 77% of women surveyed felt they were only "somewhat informed" or "not informed" about menopause.
  • Just 22% of women reported feeling well-informed about menopause.
  • 9 in 10 women surveyed said a national education and support programme was needed.
  • The preferred format for such a programme would be in-person or online weekly sessions over two to four weeks.
  • Researchers are developing a project, InTune, comprising two programmes: one for preparation and one to support symptoms.
  • InTune will address physical symptoms such as hot flushes, palpitations, and difficulty sleeping, as well as mental symptoms including brain fog and mood changes.
  • The UK's estimated 13 million peri- or postmenopausal women are at risk of being exploited due to the lack of reliable information.
  • UCL researchers called on ministers to roll out a national programme to address the lack of evidence-based public health programmes.

Statistics:

  • 77% of women surveyed felt they were only "somewhat informed" or "not informed" about menopause.
  • 22% of women reported feeling well-informed about menopause.
  • 21% of women said they were "not at all informed" about menopause.
  • 57% of women said they were "somewhat" informed about menopause.
  • 9 in 10 women surveyed (90%) said a national education and support programme was needed.
  • 2-4 weeks is the preferred duration for a national education programme.
  • 13 million is the estimated number of peri- or postmenopausal women in the UK.

Sources:

  • "The 'menopause gold rush': how private companies are exploiting women" in Post Reproductive Health journal, University College London (UCL).