Story perspectives

Misinformation Prompts Women to Stop Birth Control, Spike Pregnancies

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Social-media misinformation is causing many women to self-diagnose perimenopause and stop contraception, experts say.
UK health professionals warn the false information is increasing unintended pregnancies and inappropriate hormone use.
Doctors report younger patients requesting hormone-replacement therapy or testosterone after seeing misleading posts, despite remaining fertile.
Clinicians recommend progestogen-only or newer combined pills with natural estrogen, urging evidence-based guidance to counter outdated breast-cancer risk fears.

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Story summary

Social-media misinformation is causing many women to self-diagnose perimenopause and stop contraception, experts say.
UK health professionals warn the false information is increasing unintended pregnancies and inappropriate hormone use.
Doctors report younger patients requesting hormone-replacement therapy or testosterone after seeing misleading posts, despite remaining fertile.
Clinicians recommend progestogen-only or newer combined pills with natural estrogen, urging evidence-based guidance to counter outdated breast-cancer risk fears.