Despite a healthy lifestyle, the practice of physical activity, a good diet and the intake of food supplements, the symptoms of menopause can be difficult to bear. In some women, a drug treatment may be necessary. The reference treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), consists of supplying the two missing hormones to the body, estrogen and progesterone, which are no longer secreted from menopause.
However, it is not indicated for all women, and is even not recommended in case of a history of phlebitis or breast cancer. This is where the Fezolinetant. According to a phase 3 study including 501 women aged 40 to 65, this treatment would be effective against moderate to severe vasomotor disorders and thus make it possible to relieve bothersome symptoms such as hot flushes, which affect 80% of postmenopausal women, night sweats or joint and muscle pain.
How does this new treatment work? Fezolinetant “is a selective neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist” related “to the neuroendocrine system kisspeptin / neurokinin B / dynorphin”indicates thestudy. It will act on the thermostat of the human body, located in the brain. And he is above all non-hormonal, whereas today, the only reference treatment is hormonal, and involves risks for the health of women. Phase 2 trials conducted at the end of 2022 had already succeeded in showing that the molecule had reduced the frequency and severity of symptoms
A 50% reduction in the severity of certain symptoms
According to the new results, she would limit by about 50% the frequency and severity of symptoms, from the first week of treatment. Throughout the clinical trial, its efficacy was maintained at the 12e week as well as during the 40-week follow-up period. The women concerned even reported additional benefits on their sleep and quality of life.
What side effects have been reported? The most reported effects were headaches (between 2 and 4%) and between 1 and 3% of participants had to stop treatment due to severe fatigue or serious gastrointestinal disturbances.
Will Fezolinetant replace hormone replacement therapy? It is far from being so obvious. The study has for the moment some limits, in particular on the evaluation of the effectiveness of this treatment on other major symptoms of menopause such as mood disorders or low libido. Despite the adverse effects of HRT, it remains the most effective treatment for menopause-related disorders.
Fezolinetant nevertheless remains a good alternative treatment for those who cannot benefit from HRT and who are suffering from their symptoms. Further studies have yet to prove its effectiveness.
Sources:
- Efficacy and Safety of Fezolinetant in Moderate-to-Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause: A Phase 3 RCT, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and MetabolismFebruary 2023
- Menopause: fezolinetant, targeted non-hormonal treatment effective against vasomotor disordersUnivadis, February 2023
