NK Receptor Antagonism as Therapeutic Strategy for Vasomotor Symptoms

This segment examines NK receptor antagonism as a novel nonhormonal approach for treating vasomotor symptoms. Unlike hormone replacement, which broadly restores estrogen levels, NK antagonists act directly on thermoregulatory neurons to stabilize temperature control. This precision mechanism offers an alternative for patients with contraindications to hormone therapy.

Panelists explore how this strategy addresses prior limitations, providing symptom relief without hormonal risks such as breast cancer or thromboembolic events. The specificity of NK receptor targeting minimizes systemic effects while rapidly reducing hot flashes and night sweats.

The discussion situates NK receptor antagonism as a transformative shift in menopause management—focusing on the brain’s signaling pathways rather than systemic hormone replacement—thus opening new frontiers for individualized care.