Multiple studies released this week show hormone therapy during menopause may reduce heart disease risk and improve mood symptoms, while supplements marketed for menopause lack evidence and contain inconsistent doses. The research comes amid growing attention to the economic costs of menopause symptoms for women.
A large study of over 2,000 women found those who used estrogen-only hormone therapy later in life were less likely to develop dementia and showed fewer signs of Alzheimer's disease in their brains upon autopsy.
AbCellera Biologics reported that its non-hormonal menopause treatment ABCL-635 significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in a 92-person Phase 2 trial, with the drug meeting both primary endpoints after four weeks. The results sent the company's shares surging nearly 40% in early trading.
Healthcare providers and patients across the United States are reporting intermittent shortages of oral progesterone, a hormone widely used in fertility and menopause treatments. The supply strain reflects growing demand for hormone replacement therapy.
Melinda French Gates announced a $215 million donation to improve women's health worldwide, focusing on contraceptive access, maternal care, and initiatives for middle-aged women including menopause support. The pledge comes two years after she left the Gates Foundation to focus on her own philanthropic organization, Pivotal.
