The FDA Just Reopened the Menopause Debate — Here’s What You Missed

✨ You Don’t Want to Miss This One

👀 Heads-up: No round-up this week. Just one story, one video, and a major shift happening in women’s health.

On July 17, the FDA hosted one of the most important expert panels on menopause and hormone therapy we’ve seen in decades.

It’s not just about boxed warnings or estrogen creams—it’s about how we think about menopause, research, risk, and the systems that shape women's health.

I recorded a short video breaking down what happened, what it means, and what didn’t get discussed.

💪 A Turning Point for Menopause Care

💬 What They Got Right

The panel was packed with real experts.
Drs. Rachel Rubin, Heather Hirsch, JoAnn Manson, Barbara Levy, Mary Jane Minkin, Jim Simon and others led a thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.

They addressed menopause holistically.
Beyond just estrogen: they brought up cognitive decline, bone health, sexual function, and quality of life.

They challenged outdated narratives.
Multiple experts made it clear: the science no longer supports the boxed warning on vaginal estrogen.

❓ What We Still Need to Talk About

• Progesterone: The panel didn’t address whether those with a uterus should take progesterone with estrogen—or the nuanced differences between progesterone and progestins. That matters for breast cancer risk.

• Testosterone for women: The need is real. The data is emerging. But regulation is lagging.

• Systemic alignment: This isn’t just about one product. It’s about how we fund research, train clinicians, update policies, reimburse care—and educate women.

🔍 What I’m Curious About

If the boxed warning on vaginal estrogen is removed...

• Will the FDA revisit similar gaps across other women’s health products?

• Will payers follow suit?

• What role will the media and advocacy groups play in translating this into actual change?

📣 Spread the Word

🧠 Want to understand the systemic issues shaping women’s health?
🧵 This is a model: expert-led, regulatory openness, and patient-centered advocacy.

If you find value in this, please forward it or share the video. It helps more than you know.

🤔 Final Thought

Everyone is pointing fingers—at pharma, the FDA, providers. But here’s the truth: The system only works when research, regulation, reimbursement, training, and advocacy are aligned.

This hearing? A rare moment when that alignment almost happened. Let’s build from here.

🎧 Want to go deeper?

Two quick ways to explore more:

🔹 Listen to the full FDA panel (yes, it’s worth it) →
Watch here on FDA.gov

🔹 Catch my quick recap on TikTok →
Dr. Jim Simon said what many are afraid to say.
🎥 Watch this clip