Menopause is making its mark ― according to the Global Wellness Summit, by 2025, one billion women will be in the throes of perimenopause and the menopause industry is set to balloon to a massive $600 billion. Far from a fleeting buzzword or a trendy diet, menopause is a genuine, often bewildering phase for women and has for far too long been dismissed or misunderstood. With the recent flood of menopause-focused products, where does a woman even begin to tell what’s practical and what’s a passing fad?

Enter Dr. Lisa Larkin, a seasoned internist who’s been navigating the shifting currents of women’s health for over three decades. She's watched, apprehensively, as menopause transformed into today's buzzword, challenging the sales pitches that lack credible data. She dubs it 'meno profiteering' - a troubling trend where women's health needs are exploited for profit.

Dr. Larkin breaks down the 'good,' the 'placebo,' and the 'fraudulent.' She warns of the dangers of hormonal therapy, wades through the murky waters of shady supplements, and demystifies the world of supposed menopausal beauty products.

She gives a thumbs up to vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, but cautions about the lack of proven benefits behind "vaginal rejuvenation" treatments. She also debunks the necessity of over-the-counter hormone tests, explaining that they are vastly unnecessary due to the fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause.

Her key advice? Seek products with solid scientific backing, and above all, advocate for sound medical advice. As Dr. Larkin rightly points out, while the menopause industry might be flourishing, the wellbeing of women needs to stay front and center, not profit margins. So ladies, don't fly solo through this ride, reach out to medical professionals and make sure you're swimming with the tide, not against it.