Women who use estrogen-only hormone therapy during menopause may have a lower risk of developing the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A large analysis of patient data found that...

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released its first major update in 12 years to clinical guidance for managing menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. The new recommendations, which follow the removal of a boxed warning on hormone therapies by the FDA, emphasize hormone therapy as the first-line treatment for moderate to severe symptoms. Dr. Camille Clare, ACOG's president, urged women to discuss their symptoms with healthcare providers, noting that over half of menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms and up to two-thirds face sleep disruption. The FDA's decision to remove the warning on estrogen and progestin treatments has revived interest in hormone therapy, though some women have reported difficulties obtaining specific formulations. ACOG also outlines nonhormonal options, including medications like fezolinetant and elinzanetant, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and acupuncture. The guidelines stress shared decision-making between patients and doctors, considering individual health histories and age, with hormone therapy recommended before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Dr. Stephanie Faubion of The Menopause Society confirmed hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for hot flashes, while ACOG advises patients to consult healthcare providers to distinguish evidence-based treatments from misinformation online.

Dr. Louise R. Newson, a UK-based general practitioner and hormone expert, shares her daily wellness routine that has helped her feel better at 56 than she did in her 20s. The article details her structured morning routine starting at 6am with yoga and headstands to manage migraines and improve mental focus. She emphasizes the importance of consistent exercise, including weight training twice a week, to maintain muscle strength and prevent osteoporosis. Her morning routine also includes infrared sauna sessions to reduce inflammation and manage migraines, followed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a customized compounded preparation. Breakfast consists of homemade muesli with Greek yogurt and seasonal fruit, avoiding store-bought varieties high in sugar that trigger migraines. She takes various supplements including fish oil, vitamin D, magnesium, and iron. Throughout the day, she prioritizes hydration with crystal-infused water and eats balanced meals with protein and healthy fats to maintain energy levels. Her evening routine includes hydrogen inhalation therapy for anti-inflammatory benefits, meditation to manage stress, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine to prevent migraines and palpitations. Dr. Newson explains that her approach to health is proactive, focusing on healthspan rather than just lifespan, and that she has made significant lifestyle changes including dietary modifications after a history of pancreatitis. She acknowledges the cost of some health interventions but states that being migraine-free is worth the investment. The article concludes with her advice that hormone replacement therapy alone is not sufficient for improved health; consistent lifestyle habits are essential for long-term wellbeing.

Pharmacies will produce compounded estradiol to tackle a severe shortage of Lenzetto spray and other hormone replacement therapy products.

Veoza (fezolinetant) is a recently approved medication specifically designed to treat vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats. Unlike hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces declining estrogen levels, Veoza works by blocking the neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3) in the brain's temperature-control system. This prevents the overstimulation of the hypothalamus that causes these symptoms. The drug was approved for use in Australia in March 2024 as a 45mg tablet taken daily, though it is not subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), costing approximately A$75–$80 per month. Clinical trials involving over 3,000 women demonstrated that Veoza reduces moderate to severe hot flushes and night sweats from about 10–12 per day to 4–5, compared to 6–7 in the placebo group. While Veoza is effective for vasomotor symptoms, it does not address other menopausal issues such as mood changes, vaginal dryness, or bone density loss, which are typically managed with HRT. The medication has common side effects including headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and insomnia, with rare cases of liver injury requiring monitoring. Veoza is particularly beneficial for women who cannot take HRT due to side effects or hormone-sensitive cancers. Newer alternatives like Lynkuet (elinzanetant), approved in September 2025, target both NK1 and NK3 receptors and show improved liver safety profiles. Ongoing research continues to assess Veoza's long-term effectiveness, safety, and potential applications in other conditions such as hot flashes in men undergoing prostate cancer treatment. The drug represents a significant non-hormonal option for managing menopausal symptoms, offering relief to women who cannot use traditional hormone therapies.

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