I will be listening, Dr Streicher. Dr Gunter echos my sentiments exactly. I’m happy the FDA is prioritizing menopause and I hope it leads to the boxed warning removed from vaginal estrogen, but the statements made about estrogen’s benefits for heart and especially brain left me thinking, “oh shit, now what’s going to be coming down the pipeline.” It’s unfair to mislead women, making MHT into the panacea, like it was decades before the WHI. Just like Hodis said about MHT and breast cancer, after 50 years of research we still do not have an answer. There would have likely been a consistent signal if it truly caused breast cancer, but it’s still debatable after all this time, as is the cardiovascular risk reduction issue and even more so the neurologic benefit issue. Some of those panelist deserved their seat and others were just picked for their large social media platform and the fact that they would further promote Makary’s message.
Thank you for this. Although I am an old woman now, I am still interested in medicine and science particularly for the female members of the human race. I expected nothing else from Marty Malarkey.
This is strange, because during Covid, Makary, RFK Jr and others were sounding the alarm on cherry-picked data coming out of Health & Human Services, the FDA, etc about covid, the vaccine and repurposed drugs. They were wary of the government and pharmaceutical companies pushing the vaccine and Paxlovid on everyone. But now that they are in charge, they seem to be doing exactly what they were previously fighting against with hormones? The double standard is astonishing.
Thank you, Dr. Gunter, for your clarity and rigor here. I especially appreciate how you highlight the importance of process. Science isn’t just about outcomes, but also the process of how we get there. Your breakdown of the FDA panel’s limitations and the dangers of bypassing proper procedure is essential, especially in a political climate where reproductive rights are under threat.
Also grateful for your sharp callout of the cherry-picked science around MHT. We need more voices like yours cutting through the noise with nuance and care.
I wonder how long it will be before the FDA no longer exists. It seems that the funding for most government agencies in the US have been reduced and some no longer exist. There are influencers in every area of our lives and some unfortunately have a voice that manage to infiltrate womens' minds (and I do not mean positively). Health Canada follows the lead of what the FDA puts in print and is a bit behind when giving a green light to new medications and treatments. You mentioned that the pharmacutical companies started this challenge for women to filter through with limited data and education from medical providers This is a marketing ploy that every company uses. Menopause is age, growing older and the loss of estrogen and collagen in the joints, muscles, skin and the list is much longer. The fountain of youth does not exist (unless an explorer is keeping it to himself/herself) , but there is some evidence that estrogen plays a role in maintaining bones and muscles (as per the position statement of the Menopause Society, Canadian as well). There is no way to close the mouths of influencers , but there is a way to muffle what the have to say.
“what is very concerning is the growing lack of respect for the quality evidence that we actually have…” this hit the bullseye for me. Something about this panel felt icky, and no shade to those who showed up to sincerely advocate for women and our health, but this administration is not for women, so it felt like a charade. As always, your careful and thoughtful discussion is appreciated and helpful.
To understate my feelings about it, Dr. Gunter’s description of how the panel proceeded and who was there and who spoke deeply discouraged and dispirited me. So not about science and actual information; so not about actually helping people, making sound decisions.
Lately it seems that almost daily I interact with a healthcare professional and come away with another reason to be very wary of them.
And yet there are so many professional, ethical, and smart healthcare professionals out there (like Dr Gunter and Dr Streicher). I fear these voices will become lost.
Sorry for the total downer of a comment. I very much appreciate the information you provide, Dr. Gunter.
I share many of the same concerns and will explain further on my podcast this week. Lots to unpack here.
Thank you for speaking up!! And your continued commitment to women and science.
I will be listening, Dr Streicher. Dr Gunter echos my sentiments exactly. I’m happy the FDA is prioritizing menopause and I hope it leads to the boxed warning removed from vaginal estrogen, but the statements made about estrogen’s benefits for heart and especially brain left me thinking, “oh shit, now what’s going to be coming down the pipeline.” It’s unfair to mislead women, making MHT into the panacea, like it was decades before the WHI. Just like Hodis said about MHT and breast cancer, after 50 years of research we still do not have an answer. There would have likely been a consistent signal if it truly caused breast cancer, but it’s still debatable after all this time, as is the cardiovascular risk reduction issue and even more so the neurologic benefit issue. Some of those panelist deserved their seat and others were just picked for their large social media platform and the fact that they would further promote Makary’s message.
Thank you for this. Although I am an old woman now, I am still interested in medicine and science particularly for the female members of the human race. I expected nothing else from Marty Malarkey.
This is strange, because during Covid, Makary, RFK Jr and others were sounding the alarm on cherry-picked data coming out of Health & Human Services, the FDA, etc about covid, the vaccine and repurposed drugs. They were wary of the government and pharmaceutical companies pushing the vaccine and Paxlovid on everyone. But now that they are in charge, they seem to be doing exactly what they were previously fighting against with hormones? The double standard is astonishing.
Exactly. It is strange — and unethical, to say the least — but yet they all do it and it doesn’t seem to bother them one bit.
Thank you, Dr. Gunter, for your clarity and rigor here. I especially appreciate how you highlight the importance of process. Science isn’t just about outcomes, but also the process of how we get there. Your breakdown of the FDA panel’s limitations and the dangers of bypassing proper procedure is essential, especially in a political climate where reproductive rights are under threat.
Also grateful for your sharp callout of the cherry-picked science around MHT. We need more voices like yours cutting through the noise with nuance and care.
I wonder how long it will be before the FDA no longer exists. It seems that the funding for most government agencies in the US have been reduced and some no longer exist. There are influencers in every area of our lives and some unfortunately have a voice that manage to infiltrate womens' minds (and I do not mean positively). Health Canada follows the lead of what the FDA puts in print and is a bit behind when giving a green light to new medications and treatments. You mentioned that the pharmacutical companies started this challenge for women to filter through with limited data and education from medical providers This is a marketing ploy that every company uses. Menopause is age, growing older and the loss of estrogen and collagen in the joints, muscles, skin and the list is much longer. The fountain of youth does not exist (unless an explorer is keeping it to himself/herself) , but there is some evidence that estrogen plays a role in maintaining bones and muscles (as per the position statement of the Menopause Society, Canadian as well). There is no way to close the mouths of influencers , but there is a way to muffle what the have to say.
“what is very concerning is the growing lack of respect for the quality evidence that we actually have…” this hit the bullseye for me. Something about this panel felt icky, and no shade to those who showed up to sincerely advocate for women and our health, but this administration is not for women, so it felt like a charade. As always, your careful and thoughtful discussion is appreciated and helpful.
Just a brilliant analysis. Thank you!
Great information as always! Ty for sharing this. It’s so frustrating!
To understate my feelings about it, Dr. Gunter’s description of how the panel proceeded and who was there and who spoke deeply discouraged and dispirited me. So not about science and actual information; so not about actually helping people, making sound decisions.
Lately it seems that almost daily I interact with a healthcare professional and come away with another reason to be very wary of them.
And yet there are so many professional, ethical, and smart healthcare professionals out there (like Dr Gunter and Dr Streicher). I fear these voices will become lost.
Sorry for the total downer of a comment. I very much appreciate the information you provide, Dr. Gunter.