In our social media “digital waiting rooms,” the challenge isn’t finding information—it’s finding up-to-date, science-backed information. We believe women’s health clinical literacy is our ultimate tool for self-advocacy. Between wellness hacks and an increase in “AI slop”—low-quality content that doesn’t rely on clinical accuracy—we find ourselves in a land of information chaos. When you’re going online to research your symptoms or treatment options, here’s a 4-step guide on how to filter for pharmaceutical-grade truth.
How do you spot credible health information?
- Check for research updated within the last 10 years.
- Verify medical definitions against clinical glossaries.
- Identify the authors and their funding sources.
- Prioritize peer-reviewed studies over search engine algorithms.
1. Check the “Expiry Date” of the Science
Verify the publication date. In women’s health, data ages fast. As we saw with the recent shift in the Hormone Replacement Therapy label, the label disappeared—but no new data was presented. When you are reading a study or an article, always look for the publication date. If the foundational research hasn’t been refreshed in over ten years, it may not reflect the current data coming from well controlled clinical studies.
2. Get the Correct Definition of Terms
Broad terms like “hormonal balance” are often used as marketing buzzwords, so they may not come with an explainer. Remember, you need to understand the clinical definitions of terms, so you can advocate for clinical diagnoses and solutions for yourself and others. When you find a health claim, look up the medical definition. Use a trusted glossary to ensure the terms used are based in physiology.
3. Research “Who” and “Why”
In our era of AI-generated content, we need to know who conducted the research and who funded the platform that the research is published on. Is the article written by a pharmaceutical researcher, or vetted by a Medical or Scientific Advisory Board? Clinical integrity requires transparency in authorship. Look for peer-reviewed citations and professional credentials.
4. Move Beyond the Algorithm
Search engines prioritize what is popular (and paid for), not necessarily what has been proven by current science. To find your health solutions, look for research-driven organizations who are committed to scientific equity and women’s health clinical literacy. In other words, don’t let the algorithm decide what you decide on.
Friends, the internet should be a tool for us to get smarter, not a place where we get anxious and are unsure about what we’re learning. By applying these filters, you are being smart in your search—thorough—and your health will thank you.