The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a historic step by approving the first non-hormonal medication to treat hot flashes and symptoms associated with menopause. The drug, called Veozah and whose active ingredient is fezolinetant, offers an alternative for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal therapies, so far the most effective treatment available to relieve these episodes of intense heat and general discomfort.
Unlike traditional therapies, which seek to compensate for the estrogenic decrease, the new drug acts directly on the brain. It blocks receptors linked to thermal regulation, especially those of neurokinin 3, whose signal is altered by the hormonal drop during menopause. The result is a notable reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, which usually affect rest and quality of life, generating insomnia, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
The clinical studies supporting its approval included more than 3,000 women with moderate and severe symptoms. According to the results, the benefits began to be observed from the first week of use, something valued by specialists and patients, who usually face prolonged symptoms that are difficult to manage with home remedies or lifestyle changes.
However, the FDA warned that the treatment requires medical monitoring due to possible side effects, including abdominal pain, sleep disturbances and changes in liver function. For this reason, it is recommended to perform blood tests before and during administration. Despite these precautions, experts celebrate the progress and anticipate that the arrival of this medication opens a new stage in women’s health care, historically relegated and with specific needs that demand more research and greater visibility in the health system.
