Don't Be Menowashed

Menowashing refers to companies making misleading claims about their products being specifically beneficial for menopausal women without genuine or scientifically backed benefits. The Menopause business is booming right now, and with it comes a variety of new supplements, products, and services that are not science-backed with proven results. Meno-marketing is using midlife women’s fears to sell them a product or service that is not going to help them achieve their goals, but instead focusing on their various pain points, such as hair loss, weight gain, vaginal atrophy, painful sex, aging skin, and gut health. Here are three key points about menowashing to look out for:

  1. Marketing Tactics: Marketing strategies that target menopausal women by claiming that products can mitigate, reverse, or treat menopause symptoms without substantial scientific evidence or FDA approval. These can include supplements, beauty products, or wellness items or services. Some terms you may have heard, but are made up:

    -vaginal rejuvenation

    -estrogen dominance

    -menopause belly

  2. Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Menowashing exploits the vulnerabilities of women going through menopause—a time often associated with significant physiological changes. Companies are capitalizing on the anxieties and challenges experienced during this phase of life to sell products.

  3. Consumer Awareness: There is a growing need for consumer awareness and education regarding these practices. Women should be encouraged to critically evaluate the claims made by these products and seek information from reliable sources or consult healthcare professionals before trying new treatments or supplements.

There are science-backed, proven medications, supplements, therapies, and helpers that can support your menopause journey to mitigate a variety of adverse symptoms. Below is a list of some of them:

Physical therapists

Health coaches

Menopause hormone therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Hypnosis


Become your best self-advocate for yourself using trusted resources and building your healthcare team. Read more about asking your doctor questions, finding providers, and how a health coach can support you on your menopause journey.



Jill Foos