US Health Officials Ditch Warnings Over Hormone Therapy for Menopause, Hoping to Revive Usage.
In a significant U-turn, US health regulators announced that they will be removing warnings about the potential risks of heart disease and cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat menopausal symptoms.
The decision comes after decades of controversy surrounding HRT, which was initially linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular issues in a landmark 2002 study known as the Women's Health Initiative. The study led to a significant decline in the use of HRT among postmenopausal women, with just 4% using the therapy in 2020, down from 27% in 1999.
However, subsequent research has raised questions about the study's design and conclusions, leading health organizations such as the American Urogynecologic Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to call for a revision of the labels. The FDA has now responded with updated guidance that recommends HRT for women under 60 or those within 10 years of menopause onset.
Estrogen-only products, however, will still carry warnings about endometrial cancer. The FDA is also approving two new drugs to treat menopause symptoms: a generic version of Premarin and a non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes.
The move has been welcomed by health advocates who argue that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks. "Estrogen is a key hormone for women's health," said Alicia Jackson, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. "Every single part of a woman's body depends on estrogen to operate at its best — including the brain, bones, heart and muscles."
The FDA Commissioner described the updated guidance as an "incredible step forward" that aims to empower millions of women to live longer, healthier lives.
In a significant U-turn, US health regulators announced that they will be removing warnings about the potential risks of heart disease and cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat menopausal symptoms.
The decision comes after decades of controversy surrounding HRT, which was initially linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular issues in a landmark 2002 study known as the Women's Health Initiative. The study led to a significant decline in the use of HRT among postmenopausal women, with just 4% using the therapy in 2020, down from 27% in 1999.
However, subsequent research has raised questions about the study's design and conclusions, leading health organizations such as the American Urogynecologic Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to call for a revision of the labels. The FDA has now responded with updated guidance that recommends HRT for women under 60 or those within 10 years of menopause onset.
Estrogen-only products, however, will still carry warnings about endometrial cancer. The FDA is also approving two new drugs to treat menopause symptoms: a generic version of Premarin and a non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes.
The move has been welcomed by health advocates who argue that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks. "Estrogen is a key hormone for women's health," said Alicia Jackson, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. "Every single part of a woman's body depends on estrogen to operate at its best — including the brain, bones, heart and muscles."
The FDA Commissioner described the updated guidance as an "incredible step forward" that aims to empower millions of women to live longer, healthier lives.
It's crazy how much has changed since then. I was talking to my aunt the other day and she's like "remember when we could just take estrogen pills without worrying?" 
I'm like "yaaas, girl, those were the days!" But seriously, it's awesome that they're revising those labels and making HRT more accessible again.
. I just hope they're careful and monitor the situation closely. I don't want anyone to get hurt 
. But overall, I'm stoked about this new development! 
. I mean, what's next? Are they gonna say it's okay for people to smoke and drink again because 'research' says it's not as bad as we thought? The thing is, HRT wasn't just a one-time thing, it's a lifestyle change that affects your whole body, including your heart and cancer risk. They can't just brush off the warnings like they're nothing. I'm all for women having options to live healthier lives, but we need more than just 'updated guidance' from the FDA. We need real answers and not some PR spin 
. I mean we all know that HRT can be super effective in reducing symptoms, but the fear of heart disease and cancer was holding some women back from even trying it out 
.
. Alicia Jackson said it so right - estrogen is like, super important for women's bodies! 
And now we're finally seeing some progress towards empowering women to live longer, healthier lives 
. But overall I'm stoked about this new direction and I hope it encourages more women to take control of their health 
Honestly though, I'm not surprised they're backing down on the warnings. It's all about profits at the end of the day 
And don't even get me started on the fact that only certain age groups and products are being approved... sounds like a total cop-out to me 
. I mean, what about women over 60 who need some relief from menopause symptoms? Are they just gonna be left to suffer in silence? 
Anyway, I guess it's all good news for the pharmaceutical companies now 
I think this decision is a game-changer for women's health in the US. They've been saying that HRT increases heart disease and cancer risk but now it seems like they're giving it another chance. If estrogen really does play a huge role in overall women's health, I'm all for exploring more treatment options 
The FDA is finally acknowledging the benefits of HRT after decades of controversy and it's about time! 
It's about time we get more info on HRT, especially since it's been linked to some pretty serious health concerns. I mean, those studies in the 2000s were super concerning, and it's no wonder use dropped off like that.
...
its like, great that the FDA is revising their guidelines and stuff... but what's going on with the estrogen-only products? still got to be careful about those 
gotta say though, i'm kinda worried about my own health as we age...
. I've seen how HRT has been demonized in the past, and it's crazy how those warnings were all but eliminated without proper review 
. Now we're talking about empowering women to take control of their health again 
. It's all about giving women options and allowing them to make informed decisions about their health 
, you know? She had this amazing herb garden in her backyard with all these different types of plants... anyway, I started reading about HRT and I'm like "wait, isn't there a new study on how it affects the environment?" 
It's pretty crazy. Oh and speaking of crazy, have you tried those new avocado toast spots downtown? I heard they're amazing! 
the fact that estrogen-only products still have warnings about endometrial cancer is a good call, though - we don't want women taking unnecessary risks.
like those two new drugs for menopause symptoms. i'm definitely rooting for more research to be done on this front! 
gotta be happy about this one! i mean, all these years we've been told hormone therapy is bad news, but it turns out the science was kinda sketchy from the start 
. estrogen really does play a huge role in our overall health, so it's great to see that it's being recognized as a positive force 
that's some exciting news! i'm all about empowering women to take care of themselves, and this feels like a major step forward 
. And what about the estrogen-only products? Those are still getting warnings about endometrial cancer? That's still a thing, right? 
. u think this change will make a difference in people's lives?