The article addresses growing concerns among healthcare professionals about the spread of misleading information on social media regarding perimenopause and contraception.

Experts warn that online content is leading some women in their late 30s and 40s to misinterpret normal hormonal changes or assume they are perimenopausal without proper medical advice.

This can obscure other underlying health conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, and in some cases result in women incorrectly believing they no longer need contraception, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy.Perimenopause is explained as the transitional phase before menopause, often beginning in the early to mid-40s but sometimes earlier.

It involves fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, and can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disturbances and heavy bleeding.Experts emphasise that these symptoms overlap with other medical conditions, making self-diagnosis unreliable.Healthcare professionals stress that contraception remains important during perimenopause for those who do not wish to become pregnant.

A range of methods is available, including condoms, hormone-free intrauterine devices, and several hormonal options such as the mini-pill, implants, injections and hormonal coils.

While hormonal contraception may carry some risks, including a slight increase in blood clot risk for certain formulations, it also offers benefits such as regulating bleeding, reducing pain and managing conditions like endometriosis.The article also highlights evolving contraceptive options, including newer combined pills using natural oestrogen, which may reduce certain risks.Importantly, experts clarify that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not act as contraception and should not be relied upon to prevent pregnancy.

Additionally, body-identical hormones are discussed, with specialists noting that while they mimic natural hormones, they are not always superior and may not provide contraceptive protection.Overall, the piece urges individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice rather than relying on social media information.