New Non-Hormonal Menopause Drugs and Hot Flashes

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For women experiencing menopause, hot flashes can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. Thankfully, there are new non-hormonal drugs like fezolinetant and elinzanetant that offer hope. These medications work differently from hormone therapy and are especially helpful for women who can’t take hormones, such as those with breast cancer. By targeting specific receptors in the brain, these drugs can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.

For instance, fezolinetant, sold under the brand name Veozah, has been approved by the FDA and is showing great promise in studies. It focuses on controlling the body’s temperature, which is key to managing those sudden heat waves. Another drug, elinzanetant, is currently in clinical trials and also shows similar benefits for women, helping them sleep better and feel more comfortable throughout the day.
While these medications sound like a dream come true for women battling hot flashes, there’s a catch: insurance hurdles. Many insurance companies are hesitant to cover these newer, more expensive medications. Women are often forced to try older, less effective drugs first, such as gabapentin or antidepressants, before they can access these more targeted treatments. This process can be frustrating for both patients and doctors, as it delays relief from severe menopause symptoms.

When that is happening my face goes bright red, and I have this feeling that my skin is on fire from the inside out. BL, Ireland

Dr. Stephanie Faubion from the North American Menopause Society expresses the frustration shared by many women, saying, “Women are being asked to try drugs that aren’t even approved for hot flashes before they can get the medication that is actually FDA-approved for that purpose.” This means that despite the breakthroughs in menopause treatment, many women still struggle to get the care they need.

So, what can you do if your insurance won’t cover these new drugs? Alina Salganicoff, a women’s health policy expert, offers some tips:

• Check your insurance plan to see if the medication is covered and what steps are needed.
• Talk to your doctor, as they might have access to discounts or coupons for the medication.
• Don’t take “no” for an answer right away! If your claim is denied, appeal the decision. Persistence can often pay off.

Celebrities are also helping to shine a spotlight on menopause. Recently, Halle Berry spoke out about her own experience at an event to raise awareness for better menopause care, showing that this issue is finally gaining more attention. As Dr. Rajita Patil from UCLA notes, “Menopause is having a moment,” but there’s still much work to be done to ensure that all women can access the best possible treatments.

For many women, these new drugs could be life-changing, offering relief from constant discomfort and helping them regain their quality of life. Cindy Laughery, a nurse who participated in one of the elinzanetant trials, shares her experience: “It was a revelation. My hot flashes became rare, and I felt like myself again.

”Cindy Laughery had up to 15 hot flashes a day, she said, before going on an experimental drug that affects how the brain regulates mood and body temperature, Cindy Laughery

While we wait for more insurance companies to catch up and cover these treatments, it’s clear that new options are on the horizon, offering hope to millions of women facing the challenges of menopause.

Credit to: New menopause drugs treat hot flashes, but women may face insurance hurdles