From the Guidelines
Black cohosh is not recommended as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms due to limited and mixed evidence of its effectiveness in breast cancer survivors, as stated in the study by 1. Instead, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake may help alleviate hot flashes, as suggested by the study 1. Additionally, nonpharmacologic treatments like acupuncture, exercise, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be beneficial in managing hot flashes, as mentioned in the study 1. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or therapies, especially for breast cancer survivors, as some treatments may interact with medications or have adverse effects, as noted in the study 1. Some key points to consider include:
- Weight loss of 10% or more may help eliminate hot flash symptoms, as found in the Women’s Health Initiative Dietary Modification trial 1
- Quitting smoking may improve hot flash frequency and severity, as shown in a longitudinal study of 761 women 1
- CBT may reduce vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer survivors, as demonstrated in a trial that randomized patients to CBT or a control group 1
- Acupuncture, exercise, and yoga may also be effective in managing hot flashes, as suggested by various studies 1
From the Research
Natural Remedies as Neurokinin 3 (NK3) Receptor Antagonists for Menopausal Symptoms
There are no natural remedies mentioned in the provided studies as Neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonists for menopausal symptoms.
Current Treatments and Research
- The current treatments for menopausal symptoms include hormone therapy, which is the most effective but has risks and contraindications 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Non-hormonal treatments such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, gabapentin, paroxetine, and venlafaxine are available but have varying efficacy 5.
- Research has shown that Neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonists have promise in treating menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms, with significant reductions in frequency and severity 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of NK3R antagonists in clinical trials, suggesting a potential new treatment option for menopausal symptoms 2, 3, 4, 6.
Mechanism of Action
- The mechanism of action of NK3R antagonists involves regulating the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus, which is implicated in the etiology of vasomotor symptoms 2, 3, 4.
- Neurokinin B signaling increases in response to estrogen deficiency and has been implicated in hot flash etiology, making NK3R antagonism a potential therapeutic target 6.