Summary of "Truth About Benefits of HRT For Women, and COVID Lies Uncovered, with FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary"

Episode Release Date: July 20, 2025
Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Dr. Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner

Introduction: Revisiting HRT Myths

In this compelling episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Marty Makary, the newly appointed Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Building upon their previous discussion in episode 881, Kelly and Dr. Makary delve deep into the misconceptions surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women, particularly addressing the long-standing fears linking HRT to breast cancer.

Debunking the 2002 Women's Health Initiative Study

Megyn Kelly [01:02]:
"Earlier this week, the FDA hosted a panel on menopause and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for women. For years, women have been scared into thinking that HRT was linked to breast cancer because of a misleading study from 2002."

Dr. Makary emphasizes that the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, led by Dr. Jacques Russo, erroneously suggested a significant link between HRT and breast cancer. Upon reviewing the data, Dr. Makary reveals that the observed increase in breast cancer cases was not statistically significant.

Dr. Marty Makary [02:39]:
"No clinical trial has ever shown that hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal women increases the likelihood of dying of breast cancer."

This misinterpretation led to widespread fear and the subsequent avoidance of HRT among millions of women, including Dr. Makary's own mother, who suffered severe bone fractures that HRT could have potentially mitigated.

Comprehensive Benefits of HRT Beyond Menopause Symptom Relief

Beyond alleviating hot flashes and night sweats, HRT offers profound long-term health benefits:

• Cardiovascular Health: HRT can reduce the risk of heart attacks by up to 50%, addressing the leading cause of death in women.
• Cognitive Protection: Studies indicate a 64% reduction in the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
• Bone Health: HRT cuts the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures by half, significantly enhancing quality of life for aging women.

Dr. Marty Makary [05:18]:
"There may be no other medication in the history of modern medicine that can improve the health outcomes of women on a population level than hormone replacement therapy when started within 10 years from the onset of perimenopause."

Addressing the Black Box Warning and Medical Establishment's Bias

Despite the substantial benefits, HRT continues to bear a black box warning that deters many women from considering it. Dr. Joanne V. Pinkerton advocates for the removal of this warning to prevent unnecessary fears.

Dr. Joanne V. Pinkerton [16:49]:
"I am begging the FDA and all of us are begging, please remove the box label... please stop harming women."

Responding to this, Dr. Makary acknowledges the outdated warnings and underscores the FDA's commitment to revising these labels based on current scientific evidence.

Polarization in Medicine and the Need for Civil Discourse

The debate over HRT is symptomatic of a broader polarization within the medical community. Dr. Makary calls for civil discourse and evidence-based discussions to bridge the divide and restore public trust.

Dr. Marty Makary [15:56]:
"Hormone replacement for perimenopausal women is exactly what it says. You're replacing your body's natural hormone production... we have to have civil discourse. So I hope we can get to a better place."

Expanding the Conversation: SSRIs and Pregnancy

Transitioning from HRT, the conversation shifts to the FDA's upcoming panel on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. A significant portion of pregnant women are on SSRIs, raising concerns about potential birth defects and maternal health risks.

Dr. Marty Makary [21:21]:
"About 5% of pregnant women roughly are taking an SSRI... there's a potential association with birth defects... we need to get this straight again."

The FDA aims to reassess and update SSRI labels to better inform and protect expectant mothers.

Addressing COVID-19 Misinformation and Restoring Trust

Dr. Makary criticizes the handling of COVID-19 by previous administrations, highlighting issues like suppressed data on myocarditis and misleading information about vaccines. He stresses the importance of transparency and truth in public health to rebuild trust.

Dr. Marty Makary [28:34]:
"They lied to us about natural immunity, Covid boosters in young, healthy individuals, myocarditis vaccine mandates... that's why trust is down."

FDA's Progressive Initiatives Under Dr. Makary

Beyond addressing HRT and SSRIs, the FDA under Dr. Makary is pioneering several initiatives:

• Eliminating Harmful Additives: Major companies like Pepsi and General Mills are removing artificial food dyes and high fructose corn syrup from their products.
• Rewriting Dietary Guidelines: The FDA and USDA are collaborating to update the food pyramid to reflect evidence-based insights, including the impact of ultra-processed foods on health.
• Accelerating Drug Approvals: Implementing a pilot program to reduce approval times from a year to mere weeks, employing computational modeling and AI to expedite the process.
• Reducing Animal Testing: Shifting towards alternative methods where feasible to streamline drug development.

Dr. Marty Makary [29:49]:
"We are moving fast. I want to see a cure for Alzheimer's, for ADHD, for PTSD... what's exciting is that we're just going to keep going."

Concluding Remarks: A New Era for Public Health

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by lauding Dr. Makary's visionary leadership and the FDA's transformative agenda, which aligns with progressive public health goals.

Megyn Kelly [31:55]:
"Thank you for giving us this half an hour and updating us on these amazing developments and really important information in there, in particular on Women's Health."

Key Takeaways

1. HRT Misconceptions: The fear linking HRT to breast cancer stems from a misinterpreted 2002 WHI study. Current evidence shows minimal risk and substantial long-term health benefits.

2. HRT Benefits: Beyond symptom relief, HRT significantly reduces risks of heart disease, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis in women when started within 10 years of perimenopause onset.

3. Medical Bias and Warnings: Outdated black box warnings on HRT hinder its acceptance despite its benefits. There's a pressing need to update these labels based on recent scientific findings.

4. FDA's Role: Under Dr. Makary, the FDA is actively revising harmful policies, accelerating drug approvals, and promoting transparency to restore public trust.

5. Broader Public Health Initiatives: The FDA is tackling issues from artificial food additives to the safe use of SSRIs during pregnancy, emphasizing evidence-based practices and civil discourse in medicine.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Marty Makary [05:18]:
  "There may be no other medication in the history of modern medicine that can improve the health outcomes of women on a population level than hormone replacement therapy when started within 10 years from the onset of perimenopause."

• Dr. Joanne V. Pinkerton [16:49]:
  "Please remove the box label... Please stop harming women."

• Dr. Marty Makary [28:34]:
  "They lied to us about natural immunity, Covid boosters in young, healthy individuals... that's why trust is down."

• Dr. Marty Makary [29:49]:
  "We are moving fast. I want to see a cure for Alzheimer's, for ADHD, for PTSD..."

This episode serves as a crucial resource for women seeking clarity on HRT and underscores the FDA's commitment to rectifying past medical misinformation. Dr. Marty's insights pave the way for informed health decisions and a more transparent healthcare system.