FDA removes black box warnings on hormone therapy for women

In a major shift that could affect millions of women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to remove the long-standing “black box” warnings from many hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. These warnings—bold, highly visible labels printed on drug packaging—have for more than 20 years cautioned women about serious risks linked to hormone therapy. Those results caused widespread fear, leading many women to avoid hormone therapy altogether. Most women start hormone therapy in their late 40s or 50s, when treatment may be safer and more effective. Still, the FDA emphasizes that hormone therapy is not right for everyone.