FDA Lifts Black Box Warning as Vaginal Estrogen Treats Menopause Symptoms
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 21
FDA Lifts Black Box Warning as Vaginal Estrogen Treats Menopause Symptoms
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 21
Summary
vaginal estrogen is being highlighted as a treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, easing dryness, pelvic pain, painful sex and recurrent urinary tract infections.
The renewed attention follows the FDA’s decision last year to remove the black box warning from estrogen products, a label that had warned of cancer and blood-clot risks and deterred many women.
Creams, rings and vaginal tablets work locally, helping tissue become moister and more elastic as estrogen loss in middle age makes vaginal tissue thinner, drier and less acidic.
The shift comes as patients, doctors and influencers increasingly treat menopause symptoms as a medical issue worth addressing, boosting interest in hormonal therapies.