Unmet Needs in Vasomotor Symptoms in African American Women and the Road Ahead

In this segment, Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, identifies patient and clinician knowledge gaps as major contributors to undertreatment of VMS, particularly among African American women. Concerns about hormone therapy, including fears of breast cancer and other adverse events, often lead patients to decline recommended treatments, leaving symptoms unaddressed despite high burden.

Neal-Perry highlights the importance of FDA-approved nonhormonal options, such as elinzanetant (Lynkuet), which have demonstrated efficacy and safety in rigorous clinical trials. Unlike therapies adopted from other indications, elinzanetant was developed specifically to target the neural pathways responsible for hot flashes, providing a mechanism-based alternative for patients who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy.

Looking ahead, Neal-Perry emphasizes that these findings support a shift toward more precise, equitable menopause management. Having a targeted, effective, and well-studied nonhormonal therapy expands treatment choices and enables clinicians to offer evidence-based options to diverse populations, with the goal of reducing disparities and improving outcomes for all women experiencing VMS.