Although menopause is not a new phenomenon by any means, the past few years of what some have called the “menopause moment” have brought it to the forefront of national conversation.

One form of treatment, called menopausal hormone therapy, can address several bothersome symptoms, particularly hot flashes, and can improve quality of life for some patients. It can also provide an added layer of heart health and bone protection for some.

Despite these benefits, prescriptions steeply declined after the Women’s Health Initiative – the largest and longest-running study on women’s health in the U.S. since the early 1990s – found an increased risk of breast cancer among those on menopausal hormone therapy. This created substantial fear around using hormone therapy among providers and patients alike.

However, inconsistencies and biases in the study’s findings have arisen over the years, leading researchers to scrutinize the data more closely. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration began removing the black box warnings – which signal serious health risks – on hormone therapy for menopause in November 2025.

What does this mean for the 1-in-8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?

The FDA’s change in safety warnings highlights a gray zone on who would benefit from menopausal hormone therapy and which formulations carry the lowest risk. As a gynecologist who specializes in breast cancer care, I believe these new guidelines emphasize the need to tailor treatment to each individual – including breast cancer survivors for whom menopausal hormone therapy has historically been avoided.

Menopause and breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer diagnoses are increasing among women under 50, with a 1.4% increase each year between 2012 and 2021.

Breast cancer survivors may suffer from symptoms of naturally occurring menopause due to their chronological age. However,........

© The Conversation