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The Dr Ben Blog

Blogs by Dr Ben

August 2025.

Dr Ben writes a new Blog at the start of every month for our Man Shed section.

Don’t Spend Shed-Loads on False Menopause Products

Regular readers of this column will know, I’m always trying to de-clutter my Man Shed. And as I pen my August update, I confess my eye is spotting quite a few useless items strewn about the place in here that I’d forgotten all about.

In the past, I've been tempted once or twice by clever ads I've seen, promoting various enticing products which claim to make a gardener's life easier. They advertise all sorts of gadgets nowadays, like specialised bulb planters, electric weed pullers, watering-can sprayers and even ‘claw’ garden gloves!

Obviously, I’m far too embarrassed to own up to having bought any of those. But, on a more serious note, the same sort of thing is now happening in the world of menopause and perimenopause.

Women are being targeted as a lucrative market for products which may or may not be specific or beneficial in this stage of life.

So, if you’re looking to buy herself something to make her life easier, my advice is beware of false menopause productsbeing promoted on social media and don’t be fooled into wasting shed-loads of money on them.

Firstly, it’s really important to check out any product or service carefully because sometimes exaggerated claims are made around expensive, unproven products or services. In terms of substance, I would always recommend using a CQC-registered medical service, such as your NHS GP or other CQC-registered independent services who have plenty of feedback on Google and other review sites to guide your investment of time and money in this area.

Secondly, there are huge amounts of products which have been branded as “menopause-related” or “menopause-friendly” in an attempt to sell to this “new market”. For example, the other day, I saw an ad for a small fan that you hang round your neck. It was branded as a “menopause aid” at an inflated price. Such devices can be useful if you’re suffering from the heat or hot flushes. However, you don’t need to pay an inflated price for them just because someone’s branded them with “menopause” on the tin. There are plenty of other shops around that just sell fans! You may well find such products on other sites that are non-menopause branded – and they’ll be available at a fraction of the price.

There’s also a plethora of nutritional supplements claiming to aid perimenopausal and menopausal women. However, rather than trust the “social media experts”, I’d recommend seeking a consultation with an experienced doctor or registered nutritionist before purchasing any such products off the shelf.

Invest in my book and podcast tips instead

In my own clinic, Dr Finlay’s Private Practice, we work closely in an integrated way with a psychologist and nutritionist, who have much experience in this area and who know what works and what is supported by the most robust medical evidence.

With August upon us, rather than fritter away your well-earned cash on over-priced, low-value bits and pieces, you might consider instead investing in something that helps your partner relax and enjoy her leisure time on holiday.

Buy her some books as holiday reading. Your Other Half might also enjoy listening to a podcast as you travel, so here are a couple of suggestions that are gently ‘on topic’ (as I know, guys, when we go shopping, a few ideas are always welcome)

On the book front, check out ‘The Menopause Manifesto’, by gynaecologist Dr Jen Gunter, a non-fiction, self-help title that’s an empowering, myth-busting guide mixing medical facts with feminist humour.

Another popular book is ‘45 Things to Do Before You’re 45’, by Sally T. Morgan, a light-hearted, upbeat and practical guide which encourages fun and positivity around menopause prep.

Both titles are a casual, slightly humorousread and offer menopause guidance without being too ‘heavy’. They’re the kind of entertaining read she might enjoy while chilling out on the beach or by the pool.

As for podcasts, obviously do tune into ‘Menopause Matters, Let's Talk’, https://shows.acast.com/menopause-matters-lets-talk/episodes, the series jointly presented by Dr Heather Currie MBE (the Founder of Menopause Matters and a leading gynaecologist specialising in menopause), and Ruth Devlin, (whose career in the wellness sector started over 30 years ago as a registered nurse in Edinburgh). The series covers anything to do with the menopause and related topics and each episode is packed with useful information and resources – but without any “flim-flam or doom and gloom”, to quote the co-hosts.

Another recommendation would be ‘The Menopause Mindset’, hosted by hypnotherapist Sally Garozzo, a multi-award winning Clinical Hypnotherapist trained in Rapid Transformational Therapy.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-menopause-mindset/id1506366775

And ‘Fabulous After Fifty!’ is hosted by Julie Kennedy, who describes herself as “a British global nomad and life adventurer, passionate about people, connections, learning, growing and making the most of every opportunity.”
https://thekennedyconnection.com/fabulous-after-fifty-podcast/

Relaxing reading, fun listening – and happy holidays!

If you’ve got a question for Our Man in The Man Shed Dr Ben Sinclair, you can email him on drben@menopausematters.co.uk

Welcome to The Man Shed and I’m delighted to be your man in it!

My name is Dr Ben Sinclair (please just call me ‘Dr Ben’, everyone does), and I’ve been a GP for nearly 20 years. Bear with me a sec while I shift these spare paint tins and get my laptop set up…

If you’ve got a question for Our Man in The Man Shed, Dr Ben Sinclair, you can email him on:
drben@menopausematters.co.uk.

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