Hot flashes are a symptom of menopause and, although they affect half of humanity by the time they reach their fifties, no cure can overcome this natural phenomenon, which can sometimes be disabling and affect women’s quality of life. A drug, currently in phase 3, has very promising therapeutic potential: it is non-hormonal, estrogen-free and has no side effects.

in summary

A recent American study reveals that an experimental drug, elinzanetant, could revolutionize the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Associationshow a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes heatheatas well as improved sleep and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHRT) has been widely prescribed for long periods of time. durationsdurations to many women, given their benefits. However, over the last thirty years, several complications related to these treatments have been highlighted and their prescription has regularly decreased. This could pose a problem for women whose quality of life is significantly deteriorated by menopause.

That’s why researchers at the University of Virginia in the United States tested elinzanetant on postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65. Unlike many menopause treatments, this is a non-hormonal drug, so it doesn’t contain anyestrogensestrogens.

A non-hormonal drug, which does not contain estrogen, is currently in the experimental phase. A glimmer of hope for menopausal women suffering from hot flashes, night sweats and whose quality of life is affected. © Fizkes, Shutterstock.com

A rapid improvement in the quality of life

Result: Participants who received elinzanetant reported rapid improvements in their symptoms. As early as the first week, a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes was observed. In addition, sleep quality and overall quality of life improved after 12 weeks of treatment.

For Dr. JoAnn V. Pinkerton, who led this work, ” The efficacy of elinzanetant in relieving hot flashes in highly symptomatic women, combined with improvements in sleep and mood, and its favorable safety profile (no rave side effects were noted), suggest that it may become a promising non-estrogen treatment for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms. »

It should be noted, however, that this product is still in the testing phase (phase 3). Further studies will be necessary before it is put on the market.