New Drugs, Therapies Expand Options for Managing Menopause Without Hormones
WASHINGTON (AP) – Women navigating menopause now have a growing arsenal of nonhormonal treatments to manage symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, with two recently approved drugs leading the way. The U.S. Food and Drug Management has cleared Veozah (fezolinetant) and Lynkuet (elinzanetant), offering new hope for those seeking relief without conventional hormone therapy.
For decades, hormone therapy was the primary medical intervention for menopause symptoms. Though, concerns about potential risks led many women to seek alternative solutions. These new medications target the brain’s temperature control center, offering a different approach. Veozah blocks one molecule involved in triggering hot flashes, while Lynkuet blocks two.
“there’s no medication out there that’s entirely free of risk,” cautioned Dr. JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School. Both drugs carry potential side effects: Veozah includes a warning about a rare risk of liver injury, and Lynkuet may cause drowsiness and fatigue. Other options, like certain antidepressants, can sometimes lead to weight gain, and oxybutynin can cause dry mouth and bladder issues.
Beyond prescription medications, a range of nonhormonal options are available. Over-the-counter lubricants can alleviate vaginal dryness, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps women reframe their experience of hot flashes, making them “less significant and less burdensome,” according to Dr. Stephanie Faubion. Research also suggests clinical hypnosis may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, though Dr. Manson notes “more research is needed.”
Experts emphasize the importance of open dialog with healthcare providers. ”I would implore women to have that conversation…about what treatment might be beneficial for them,” said Dr. Juliana Kling, a women’s health expert at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Arizona.
Dr. Gajarawala, who now manages her symptoms thru lifestyle changes – avoiding red wine, walking 10,000 steps daily, practicing tai chi, and taking an extended-release antidepressant – exemplifies this proactive approach. “It’s been a significant improvement,” she said.