Half a million menopausal women are now eligible to receive a new daily tablet to alleviate hot flushes and night sweats. This tablet, called fezolinetant or Veoza, is a non-hormonal treatment that can be prescribed on the NHS for women who cannot or choose not to undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), fezolinetant works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger these menopausal symptoms. Dr. Sue Mann, the national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, expressed that this new treatment option is particularly beneficial for women who are unable or unwilling to take HRT, allowing them to better manage their symptoms and take control of their health.

Manufactured by Astellas Pharma, NICE stated that Veoza can significantly reduce symptoms associated with menopause. It is especially crucial for women with medical conditions like blood clots that prevent them from using HRT. Regular liver function monitoring will be necessary for women taking this treatment as it becomes available across England.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, emphasized the profound impact that menopausal symptoms can have on quality of life and overall wellbeing. She highlighted the importance of providing alternative treatment options for those who cannot use HRT due to various reasons.

Menopause, characterized by the cessation of periods due to declining hormone levels, typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. The NHS recommends lifestyle changes to help manage menopausal symptoms, offering women additional ways to cope with this natural phase of life.