The Juniper & Oak Wellness Weekly
- Dana King
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
Issue 9, November 14, 2025
New to the Blog…
Here is a short excerpt from "How to Build a Puzzle"…
Start with the basics. Start with what you know. Start where you feel comfortable.
Take things one step at a time. Your actions compound with repetition. What looks impossible at first soon becomes manageable.
Pace yourself. There is no rush. Enjoy the moment. Be present. Savor.
Let's talk about the FDA announcement concerning Hormone Replacement Therapy (what your medical provider wants you to know)...
Unless you are living under a rock, you have heard something about the push for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Women’s Health. The FDA made an announcement Monday, November 10th they would be removing the “black box” warning off of menopause products. You can read the FDA’s press release here.
A “black box” warning is a communication tool to alert prescribers and patients special consideration should be taken when prescribing or taking a medication. The warning is placed on medications considered to cause reactions leading to death or serious injury. They are based on “reasonable evidence”. However, we now know the “reasonable evidence” concerning HRT was incorrect.
The “black box” warning was placed on HRT medications after the “Women’s Health Initiative” study performed by the National Institutes of Health in 2003. Unfortunately, there were multiple problems with this study, including the medication studied, the average age of the participant, and the interpretation of the data itself.
What were the problems with the “Women’s Health Initiative” study?
First, only one medication and one dosing option were evaluated in the study, a synthetic estrogen and progestin. This medication is not prescribed today as Estradiol and Progesterone are the preferred formulations. Additionally, the average age of the women participating in the study was 63 years old. Menopausal symptoms can start as early as age 35. Finally, the data was interpreted using “relative risk” as opposed to the scientifically preferred “absolute risk”. The absolute risk found in this study was a 0.1% increase in breast cancer but no increase to the number of deaths from breast cancer. Sadly, this study was never completed and data interpretation was not revisited. You can learn more on this podcast.
What does this mean for you?
HRT is always something you should discuss with your provider weighing the benefits against the risks. HRT is not the right choice for everyone. Specifically, people with a past medical history of or at a higher risk for blood clots or breast cancer. Treatment should be initiated for women under the age of 60 and within ten years of the onset of menopause.
What are the potential HRT benefits?
According to the FDA’s November 10th press release, recent studies have shown a decrease in all-cause mortality and fractures with HRT. The FDA cites a PubMed publication noting a decreased cardiovascular disease risk of up to 50%. The FDA also reports a 35% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. As well as, a 50% to 60% reduction in bone fractures according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Need more details or want to discuss starting HRT? Juniper & Oak Wellness Co. is ready to help. Click the link above to schedule a Discovery Call, Wellness Coaching Session, or NP Well Care appointment.
But GOD!
“My son, don’t forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being” (Proverbs 3:1-2).
Grace & Peace,
Dana
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