Menopause corresponds to the cessation of ovarian function, and therefore of menstruation. It occurs on average between the ages of 45 and 55 in most cases. Although this period is experienced differently by each woman, it can be characterized by “the absence of monthly menstruation, a vaginal drynesshot flashes and mood swings,” underlines Health Insurance.
THE hot flashes are difficult for many women to live with, but research is progressing to reduce their frequency. And, according to researchers at the University of Virginia in the United States,elinzaneting, an experimental, hormone-free treatment would reduce “significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes associated with menopause while improving women’s sleep and quality of life”. Their results are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Non-hormonal treatment, still experimental, could reduce hot flashes
Elinzanetant is a non-hormonal medication and does not contain estrogen. As researcher JoAnn V. Pinkerton, division director of the Midlife Health Center at UVA Health, explains, the medication “is a dual neurokinin receptor antagonist, meaning it acts on two receptors in the brain to improve hot flashes, night sweatssleep and mood in general”.
It was tested in two phase 3 trials, conducted in double blindworldwide. The women were postmenopausal, aged 40 to 65 years, and had hot flashes of moderate to severe intensity. Some of them received either 120 mg of elinzanetant per day for 26 weeks or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by 14 weeks of elinzanetant.
Authorities must give their approval before placing on the market
Researchers found that 80% of women who took elizanetant “reported rapid improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.” The researchers point out that “The tests revealed statistically significant reductions in the frequency and severity of hot flashes during the first week in both trials.” Additionally, after 12 weeks, participants noticed an improvement in their sleep quality and overall quality of life. This promising treatment could be of particular interest to women who cannot take hormone treatment due to a history of cancer or cardiovascular problems in particular.
There were some side effects, such as headache and fatigue, but the authors note that these were mild and that “No serious side effects were observed”.
Although the results are encouraging, the marketing of this treatment is not yet on the agenda. Indeed, the health authorities must first give their approval.
Sources :
- Elinzanetant for the Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause – 22/08/2024
- Hot Flash Drug Shows Significant, Rapid Benefits – University of Virginia – 08/27/2024
- Menopause: at what age and what symptoms? – Health Insurance