A groundbreaking and controversial 2024 series in The Lancet is a critique of the menopause industry and the over-medicalization of menopause. The lead author is Professor Martha Hickey, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Chapter 6 Resources
Stealth Marketing
This video addresses third-party, or “stealth,” marketing. Media messages used to sell the idea of using estrogen for “vaginal dryness” don’t necessarily mention a specific product or pharmaceutical company. The messages are intended to medicalize/pathologize a normal condition to create a demand for estrogen.
Deceptive Drug Marketing
The Professional Organization’s Role in Marketing Estrogen
The caption for this photo is “Mary finds evidence of corporate influence at a conference.” TherapeuticsMD provides an interesting example of a company’s attempt to enter the lucrative HRT market. This 2017 video reflects the early enthusiasm of investors. After nearly going bankrupt, the company sold its R&D commercial assets, and in 2022 purchased the rights to pharmaceutical royalties that it now sells to investors. Estrogen in any form is a money maker.