Vasomotor symptoms affect 70% of postmenopausal women and, along with sleep disturbance, are among the most bothersome reported symptoms.
In a placebo-controlled trial reported in Menopause (online, 12 March 2018), researchers explored the efficacy of a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist known as MLE4901 on hot flashes in 37 women aged 40–62 years with vasomotor symptoms[1]
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The team found that by day 3 of treatment, hot flash frequency had reduced in the active treatment group by 51 percentage points compared with placebo. Women who received MLE4901 also reported significant reductions in hot flash severity, interference with daily life, and improvements in sleep and concentration by day 3. These effects were sustained throughout the four-week study period.
The researchers concluded that the results indicate neurokinin 3 receptor antagonism has a rapid effect on vasomotor symptoms of menopause and could provide an effective alternative to oestrogen therapy.
