New wonder pill could end misery of the ‘hot f lush’
DOCTORS have found a new treatment for hot flushes women suffer during menopause.
The pioneering pill won’t increase the risk of breast cancer – unlike existing hormone replacement therapy. Scientists said last night the ‘very important’ advance could improve life for millions.
The new treatment, developed by a team at Imperial College, London – works differently from HRT, which raises the danger of breast cancer by around a quarter if taken for five years or more, according to studies.
During the menopause, women’s ovaries produce less oestrogen. For seven out of 10 women going through the menopause, one of the side-effects is hot flushes, which can have a devastating impact on their quality of life.
Some women can experience up to 30 hot flushes in a 24-hour period, seriously disrupting their lives. HRT prevents shot flushes by artificially maintaining oestrogen levels but the new treatment works by blocking a brain signal that triggers the hot flushes.
Endocrinologist Dr Julia Prague said: ‘Of all menopausal symptoms, hot flushes tend to bother women more than anything else. The impact on women’s lives can be huge but because the menopause is still a taboo subject, many are suffering in silence.’
Hot flushes typically last less than five minutes. But some sufferers have to change bedclothes nightly, for years on end, while others resort to sitting outside in the small hours to cool down.
Dr Prague says the flushes are triggered by the release of a brain hormone called neurokinin B in response to dropping oestrogen levels. Researchers found rats given neurokinin B experience the rodent equivalent of a hot flush but when given a drug to block its effect, the flushes stopped.
They believe a compound originally developed to treat schizophrenia could stop hot flushes. Dr Prague and her colleagues now want to recruit at least 30 women to trial the drug for four months.
She hopes the treatment could be prescribed by GPs within five years but says it will not help with other menopausal symptoms.
Menopause expert Dr Tim
In five years GPs could prescribe in place of HRT Blocks brain signal that triggers hot flush
Hillard said HRT was recognised as an ‘effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, particularly in the management of hot flushes’ by the British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. But he said its risks and benefits varied from woman to woman. ‘Finding safe and effective alternatives… for those who want a treatment specifically for one symptom such as hot flushes, is very important.