Neurokinin 3 receptor antagonism as a novel treatment for menopausal hot flushes Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study investigates the use of an oral neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist (MLE4901) as a treatment for menopausal hot flashes. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design was used to assess the effectiveness of MLE4901 in reducing the frequency, severity, and interference of hot flashes in menopausal women. The primary outcome measured was the total number of hot flashes during the final week of the treatment period, with secondary outcomes including the severity, bother, and interference caused by hot flashes.
Who was studied?
The study involved 37 healthy menopausal women aged 40–62 years, all of whom experienced seven or more hot flashes per day, with some being severe or bothersome. Participants had not menstruated for at least 12 months and were not on any medications for menopausal symptoms in the preceding eight weeks. The study population was randomized to receive either MLE4901 or placebo, followed by a washout period and then the alternate treatment. A total of 28 participants completed both treatment periods and were included in the per-protocol analysis.
Most important findings
The administration of MLE4901 significantly reduced the total weekly number of hot flashes by 45% compared to the placebo group. Additionally, MLE4901 reduced the severity, bother, and interference caused by hot flashes, with improvements in hot flash-related interference, severity, and psychosocial symptoms such as fatigue and irritability. The study also observed that treatment with MLE4901 resulted in a decrease in hot flash frequency by 73%, compared to a 28% reduction with placebo. The treatment was well tolerated, with only mild, transient increases in liver enzymes in a small subgroup of participants.
Key implications
This study provides strong evidence that NK3R antagonism, specifically through the use of MLE4901, could be a novel and effective treatment for managing menopausal hot flashes. The ability to reduce hot flashes without the need for estrogen exposure addresses a significant gap in non-hormonal treatment options. Given the potential side effects of hormone replacement therapy, NK3R antagonists like MLE4901 represent a promising alternative for women who seek non-hormonal relief from menopausal symptoms. Larger-scale, long-term studies are needed to further establish the safety and efficacy of this treatment approach.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.