Myths vs facts: Leaky Gut Test and Wechseljahre

**Leaky Gut Test:** The myth claims that a stool test can measure intestinal permeability and diagnose 'leaky gut'. The fact is: No clinically validated biomarker for leaky gut exists. Commercial tests measure bacterial abundances or markers like zonulin, but their link to gut barrier dysfunction is unproven. Evidence comes from marketing, not controlled trials. For children or adults with digestive issues, seeing a doctor is more appropriate than a self-test. **Menopause (Wechseljahre):** Myths suggest that hormone tests or genetic tests (e.g., FOXO3, MTHFR) can predict the timing or severity of menopause. The fact is: Menopause is a natural, highly individual process. No genetic test or single hormone level can reliably forecast its onset. Symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances are managed through lifestyle and, if needed, medically supervised hormone therapy – not DNA tests. Evidence for predictive testing is weak to absent. Conclusion: Both test categories are often overhyped. Consumers should remain critical and base medical decisions on validated evidence.