As a perimenopausal woman, I'm constantly seeking information about menopause, whether through articles, podcasts, or TV programmes. So, when I saw the Panorama episode titled "The Menopause Industry Uncovered," I was eager to watch.
The programme began by introducing the Glasgow-based Menopause Warriors—a fantastic, empowering name! I can't stress enough the value of a supportive community when navigating this life-changing stage. If you’re feeling isolated in your journey, I highly recommend searching for local menopause support groups. They can help normalise what you're going through, which was a huge comfort for me when I first started experiencing symptoms.
The first segment of the programme focused on supplements and the lack of scientific backing for claims made by menopause supplement manufacturers. According to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, 14 of the 15 products tested lacked enough scientific evidence to support their claims. For those of us who’ve become a bit cynical over the years, this isn’t surprising, especially when we look at the small trial sizes used by some companies. Seeing adverts with trials of fewer than 100 participants certainly raises questions about their reliability. It seems clear that more stringent regulations are needed to ensure that "scientific claims" are truly based on sound research.
The bulk of the programme, however, focused on Dr Louise Newson and the Newson Health Clinic, a clinic I personally use. While the episode felt somewhat like a witch hunt, it did raise valid points. Some ex-Newson doctors expressed concern over the higher doses of oestrogen being prescribed—beyond what GPs are allowed to issue. While a specialist can prescribe higher amounts in certain cases, this isn’t common. The programme focused on six patients, all of whom had complex medical histories, which I believe highlights the importance of collaboration between different medical specialists when dealing with such cases. This is something Newson Health could consider incorporating into their policies moving forward.
To be transparent, I’ve been prescribed 50% more than the recommended dose of oestrogen gel by Newson Health. While I wasn’t informed about any potential risks, my new GP expressed concern, and I have since reduced my dose without any significant negative effects. The truth is, there isn't enough research on the long-term effects of overprescribing, which makes it essential for clinics to be fully transparent about potential risks—or the lack of evidence around them.
Despite some criticisms, my experience with Newson Health has been overwhelmingly positive. After being dismissed by my GP, who insisted I try supplements for six months before considering HRT, I turned to Newson for help with my severe symptoms. They emphasised not only hormone treatments but also lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, which made a huge difference for me. I now feel like I’m in control of my menopause journey—well, at least 95% of the time!
I was disappointed to learn that the British Menopause Society has removed Dr Newson's accreditation. While Dr Newson has asked for an explanation and is still waiting for a satisfactory response, the CQC (Care Quality Commission) has stated that they are "following up information to understand if there are any risks to people using the service." However, their most recent report from 2019 rated Newson Health as "Good," which is worth noting.
The lack of research into menopause and the associated treatments is the real issue here. Increasing oestrogen dosage hardens the uterus lining, which requires more progesterone to balance. But there’s very little detailed information available on these specifics. This lack of evidence is likely the challenge Dr Newson is grappling with, and more research is sorely needed.
In my view, Dr Newson has made incredible strides in bringing menopause into mainstream media discussions, and for that, she deserves praise. Could Newson Health work more closely with specialists to better serve patients with complex medical needs? Absolutely. Should women be more informed about potential risks (or the lack of evidence) when increasing medication dosages? Without a doubt.
The key takeaway from the Panorama programme isn’t that Dr Newson is a rogue practitioner, but that menopause treatment itself is under-researched. After feeling let down by my GP, I turned to Newson Health, and the support I’ve received has been invaluable. I use their Balance App to track my symptoms, get my bloods checked with them, and utilise the NHS prepaid prescription certificate—though I do pay extra for testosterone, which isn’t yet covered by the NHS for menopause treatments. Testosterone has made a noticeable difference in my brain fog, and without it, I might still be feeling lost,as I did at the start of my menopause journey.
Ultimately, menopause care is still evolving, and while there are gaps in research, the work being done by clinics like Newson Health is helping many women, including myself, regain control of their lives.
#MenopauseSupport #WomensHealth #MenopauseAwareness #EmpowerThroughMenopause #BreakTheStigma #PauseAndEmpower
Comments