The future of menopause care: Smart device monitors hot flashes and more

Ready to ditch the guesswork about “the change?”

A wearable device called Peri is offering new hope for the millions of women navigating perimenopause, the Verge reported. This transitional phase typically begins in the mid-30s to mid-50s, and can last from months to more than a decade.

Currently, 440 million women worldwide experience this transition, with 75% reporting symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Despite how common these experiences are, only 9% of women feel properly informed about perimenopause, and over 40% seeking medical help remain untreated, according to a report from the company.

The device adheres to the torso, using specialized sensors to track symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, anxiety levels and brain fog. Its companion app provides personalized insights about symptom patterns and management strategies, which can be shared with health care providers.

Michigan Medicine outlines several treatment options for bothersome symptoms:

• Oral contraceptives for heavy periods and hot flashes
• Menopausal hormonal therapy for hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and emotional issues
• Low-dose antidepressants (SSRIs) for hot flashes and mood swings
• Tranexamic acid for heavy bleeding
• Lifestyle changes like healthy diet, exercise, meditation and consistent sleep schedules

“You can take important steps to optimize your health during the menopause transition, so that you can continue to live your best life in the future,” Dr. Elizabeth Lunsford, an OB-GYN and certified menopause practitioner, told Riverside Health.