Takeaway
Women's health, especially menopause, is rife with misinformation. Addressing patients’ needs with empathy and evidence will help empower them to make choices in line with their goals for care.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | February 3, 2025 | 3 min read
By Drs. Christina D’Agostino & Tina Zhang, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Why myths about women’s health stick
In recent years, there’s been growing media attention on women’s health, particularly around menopause and hormone therapy. More women are feeling empowered to seek care for managing their menopause symptoms. However, a significant gap remains in menopause education within medical training, with many healthcare providers feeling unprepared to address these symptoms due to a lack of education during their training. As a result, many women are turning to social media and alternative options in search of relief. Unfortunately, women’s health myths, especially regarding menopause, spread easily due to the personal, often stigmatized nature of these topics and the prevalence of misinformation on social media. Repeated falsehoods can start to feel credible, leading to unnecessary anxiety, delayed care, and potentially harmful practices. It is crucial that women navigating the menopause transition receive informed, thoughtful, and evidence-based medical guidance to ensure their well-being.
Common myths and how to address them:
1. “Women’s health refers only to sexual and reproductive health.”
Share with patients that women’s health extends beyond reproductive health to include mental, cardiovascular, bone health, and more, requiring a holistic approach to overall well-being.
2. “Hormone therapy (HT) is unsafe for all women.”
Share with patients that HT can be safe and effective for many women under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, particularly those with severe menopausal symptoms. Your doctor can help weigh risks and benefits.
3. “Testosterone will help menopause symptoms.”
Share with patients that testosterone is not FDA-approved for use in women. There’s evidence supporting moderate benefits for sexual function in postmenopausal patients with female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD), though long-term safety data remain limited.
4. “Cranberry juice cures urinary tract infections (UTIs).”
Clarify that while cranberry products may help prevent UTIs in some people, they’re not a cure. If you suspect a UTI, seek medical evaluation for proper treatment.
5. “Women don’t need as much protein as men.”
Share that protein needs are based on body weight and activity levels, not gender. Women, especially those who are active or older, require adequate protein for muscle and bone health.
How clinicians can combat misinformation:
1. Listen and acknowledge concerns.
Validate your patient’s fears rather than dismissing them. Understand what led them to believe a myth before addressing it. For instance, say: “I can see why you’d be worried. Let’s look at what research shows.” This builds rapport and tailors your response.
2. Use clear, relatable language to debunk myths without overwhelming patients.
For example: “Hormone therapy is often misunderstood, but it’s important to know that it can help manage symptoms of menopause and improve quality of life. We’ll discuss both the benefits and the risks to make sure it’s the right choice for you, and tailor it to your specific needs.”
3. Share trusted resources.
Equip your patients with reliable websites or apps to guide them toward accurate information and away from misinformation. Trusted sources, like health system websites or government health pages, empower patients to make informed choices.
4. Lead by example.
Challenge misinformation within your own circles, including among colleagues, in community talks, and online. Taking a proactive stance helps foster trust and promotes accurate health information in the broader community.
Let’s be proactive in addressing the misinformation cycle around menopause and women’s health. Every patient going through the menopause transition deserves accurate and up-to-date information delivered with care. By stepping into this role, we’re not just correcting myths—we’re fostering trust and inspiring confidence in their journey toward healthy aging.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.