ACP Recommended Hormone Therapy for Menopause
New clinical guidance establishes hormone therapy as the primary treatment for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Women’s Health
Live Poll
Do you trust current clinical guidance regarding the safety and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause?
The American College of Physicians has officially recommended estrogen and progestogen therapies as first-line treatments for women experiencing vasomotor symptoms. This new guidance aims to address common challenges like hot flashes and night sweats for the millions of women impacted by perimenopause.
Why it matters
The updated recommendations seek to standardize care for the up to 80% of women who report vasomotor symptoms during perimenopause. By establishing clear pharmacological pathways, the guidance helps clinicians better manage symptoms that frequently disrupt daily life.
Up to 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms during perimenopause. The guidance also notes that the FDA removed warnings for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia from six hormone therapy products as of July 2025.
The players
American College of Physicians
This is a national organization of internists that develops clinical guidelines to improve the quality of health care.
FDA
This federal agency is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products.
The details
The American College of Physicians utilized the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to analyze the effectiveness and potential harms of various treatments. Alongside hormone therapy, the organization identified serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors as second-line options, while SSRIs, gabapentin, and neurokinin receptor antagonists are suggested as third-line interventions.
Timeline
July 2025: The FDA removed specific warnings from six hormone therapy labels.
October 5, 2026: The American College of Physicians released its new clinical guidance.
The Big Picture
The new guidance published in the Annals of Internal Medicine updates established clinical standards for hormonal interventions. This follows a rigorous review process designed to transition older treatment paradigms toward current evidence-based practices for women's health.
Patients may now find their physicians are more likely to prioritize hormone therapy as a primary treatment option for managing hot flashes and night sweats. These changes in labeling and clinical guidelines may also lead to updated discussions regarding insurance coverage and treatment accessibility.
The takeaway
Clinicians and patients are encouraged to discuss these updated guidelines to determine the most effective pharmacological pathway for symptom management. Personalized care plans remain essential as medical organizations continue to refine recommendations based on systemic reviews of patient values and safety.
Further reading
For additional context on evidence-based care, visit the Women’s Health section.
Live Poll
Do you trust current clinical guidance regarding the safety and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause?
