In 2025, the U.S. FDA removed the “black box” warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products – but what does that actually mean for patients? For decades, many women have navigated perimenopause and menopause with limited information, few effective options, and little validation of their symptoms. In part one of this two-part series, we speak with Sharon Malone, MD, board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical advisor for Alloy Women’s Health, about what happens during the menopausal transition, why symptoms can feel chaotic and unpredictable, and how misinterpretations of past research have shaped – and often restricted – women’s care.

Credits

Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Guest: Sharon Malone, MD
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers

<p>In 2025, the U.S. FDA removed the &ldquo;black box&rdquo; warnings from menopausal <a href="https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-hrt" data-testid="linkable-text">hormone therapy products</a> &ndash; but what does that actually mean for patients? For decades, many women have navigated <a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide-perimenopause" data-testid="linkable-text">perimenopause</a> and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/menopause/menopause-basics" data-testid="linkable-text">menopause</a> with limited information, few effective options, and little validation of their symptoms. In part one of this two-part series, we speak with <a href="https://www.drsharonmalone.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Sharon Malone, MD</a>, board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical advisor for Alloy Women&rsquo;s Health, about what happens during the menopausal transition, why symptoms can feel chaotic and unpredictable, and how misinterpretations of past research have shaped &ndash; and often restricted &ndash; women&rsquo;s care.</p>
<p>Credits</p>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Sharon Malone, MD</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.