“Social media content regarding perimenopause is being used to promote medically inaccurate advice that puts women at risk of unintended pregnancies and missed diagnoses.”

Multiple medical experts and health organizations have identified a significant rise in misleading health information regarding perimenopause on social media. According to reports from The Guardian and other health news outlets, clinicians—including consultants in sexual and reproductive health—have expressed concern that women are increasingly relying on social media for medical guidance. This trend poses several risks: 1) Misdiagnosis: Women may attribute symptoms of other underlying health conditions to perimenopause, leading to delayed professional medical intervention. 2) Unintended Pregnancies: Misinformation regarding fertility during the perimenopausal transition can lead to a false sense of security regarding contraception. 3) Unsubstantiated Treatments: There is a proliferation of marketing for supplements, creams, and hormone-related advice that lacks clinical evidence or is inappropriate for the individual. A 2024 Senate inquiry in Australia also highlighted that women are being 'bombarded' with unsubstantiated product claims. The consensus among medical professionals is that while social media has increased awareness of the transition, it has simultaneously created a 'marketing war zone' where inaccurate advice can obscure real health needs.