Perimenopause Surge: Dr Paula Briggs and Nicola Davis on Symptoms, HRT Misinformation, and What Women Need to Know

Perimenopause is having a cultural moment as celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey share personal stories, and social media feeds fill with doctors offering tips. But the flood of information has a dark side: misinformation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments is spreading fast, prompting experts to sound the alarm. Dr Paula Briggs, a consultant in sexual and reproductive health, warns that women are increasingly encountering unproven claims online, which can lead to confusion and risky health decisions. Science correspondent Nicola Davis cuts through the noise with evidence-based guidance on recognizing perimenopause symptoms, understanding which tests are actually useful, and evaluating treatment options like HRT. The surge in awareness is a double-edged sword—while it helps destigmatize a natural life stage, it also opens the door for bad actors and well-meaning but misinformed influencers. As the conversation grows louder, women need reliable, medically sound information to navigate this transition safely. The key is to consult qualified healthcare professionals and rely on trusted sources rather than viral trends.