Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the class of Neurokinin -3 Receptor Antagonists (NK3) are efficacious in managing vasomotor symptoms in women who have contraindications to the gold standard treatment of hormone therapy. This research specifically includes menopausal or perimenopausal women experiencing vasomotor symptoms and compares NK-3 Antagonists to placebo, non-HRT medications, and HRT. The primary endpoints of the research include impact on VMS frequency and severity.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and EBSCO to identify studies evaluating NK-3 antagonists as nonhormonal treatments for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Studies involving peri- or postmenopausal women treated with an NK3 antagonist and reporting vasomotor symptom outcomes were included, while studies lacking relevant outcomes or involving other treatment indications were excluded. Eligible articles were critically reviewed and synthesized to compare efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results: The data reviewed suggests that NK3-Antagonists, specifically Fezolinetant, show efficacy in reducing the frequency of VMS symptoms with percent reductions from baseline ranging from 52% in some articles to 87% in others. It also reveals statistically significant reductions in severity. Fezolinetant is comparable to low dose estrogen and more efficacious than high dose antidepressants in managing VMS frequency. Notable side effects of this medication include headaches, GI upset, URI symptoms, and elevation in liver function enzymes.

Conclusion: Fezolinetant is an appropriate medication for the treatment of menopausal VMS symptoms in women who have contraindications to hormone therapy.

Keywords: NK3 Antagonists, VMS, Menopause, Fezolinetant, Hot Flashes, Hormone Therapy

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Trisha Abu has a special interest in Internal and Family Medicine and plans on working in Illinois following graduation. She will be presenting on "Neurokinin-3 Receptor Antagonists: A Non-Hormone Alternative for Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause," because she came across many women throughout her Women's Health who endured the adverse effects of menopausal symptoms on their daily lives.

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