Estrogen appears to be protective in the arteries of younger women, but in older women with established plaque, it may have the opposite effect and elevate risks.

The FDA has admitted its cautious approach to hormone therapy was wrong for decades, potentially keeping millions of women from effective treatment for bone strength and heart health.

The influential Women's Health Initiative study was flawed because the average participant age was 63, not the typical late 40s or early 50s when women usually seek therapy.

The FDA has removed warnings about heart disease, strokes, breast cancer, and dementia from most hormone therapy medications.

To optimize the benefit-versus-risk ratio, the FDA now recommends starting hormone therapy in women younger than 60 or within 10 years of menopause.

In a re-analysis of study data, women aged 50-59 who took hormone therapy had a 31% lower all-cause mortality rate compared to the placebo group.

The FDA has removed the recommendation to prescribe the 'lowest effective dose for the shortest duration,' instead advising that treatment should be individualized.