FDA approves new nonhormonal menopause drug that targets hot flashes

(WXYZ) — Women dealing with hot flashes could soon have a new option for relief. The FDA has approved a nonhormonal drug designed to help ease those uncomfortable menopause symptoms.

This new drug shows real potential to cool hot flashes. Elinzanetant, which will be sold under the brand name Lynkuet, works in the brain, not with hormones.

Here’s how it works: during menopause, women start producing less of the hormone estrogen. As levels drop, nerves in the brain’s hypothalamus that help control the body’s internal temperature can get overactive. This sends out too many chemical signals called neurokinins, which trigger hot flashes.

That’s when a woman suddenly starts feeling hot in the face, head and chest. Symptoms can also include flushing and sweating — all of which can last a few m