Market Trends of Menopausal Hot Flashes Industry
The Estrogen Segment is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share
Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and fat tissues. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, promoting the development of secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast development and widening of the hips), and maintaining reproductive tissues. Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, with significant decreases occurring during menopause.
The significance of estrogen in menopause hot flashes treatment is expected to increase its adoption and is likely to contribute to market growth over the forecast period. For instance, an article published in Frontier in October 2023 concluded that systemic estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment for relieving troublesome menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.
The article also noted that estrogen therapy can lessen menopausal vaginal symptoms like dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort during sex, as well as vulvovaginal atrophy, including vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Thus, the efficacy of estrogen, as indicated by research studies, is anticipated to increase its demand, contributing to the segment growth over the forecast period.
Recent developments in estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have improved efficacy and safety profiles, making estrogen treatments more appealing. New combinations of estrogen with other hormones are being approved, further enhancing treatment options. For instance, in June 2023, Pfizer Inc. reintroduced DUAVEE (conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene), an estrogen-based hormone therapy for menopause, to the US market. This comes after a voluntary recall, which was solely due to packaging concerns unrelated to the product's efficacy or safety. The reintroduced DUAVEE features enhanced packaging.
Thus, the high safety and efficacy profiles of estrogen therapy in menopausal hot flashes treatment with reduced risk of mortality in patients of breast cancer, growing supportive government initiatives, awareness of hormone replacement therapy with estrogen, and strategic activities by the industry players are expected to propel the segment growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share
North America is expected to witness significant growth in the menopausal hot flashes market due to the increased incidence of menopause, increased awareness of menopause, rising healthcare expenditure, and a large percentage of older women in the region.
Introducing new pharmacological options is expected to enhance patient satisfaction by providing alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and influence market growth. For instance, in May 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Astellas Pharma US Inc.'s Veozah (fezolinetant), a novel oral medication for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly known as hot flashes, associated with menopause. Veozah represents a significant breakthrough as the first neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist to receive FDA approval for this condition. The approval of Veozah marks a pivotal advancement in menopause management, offering a new treatment option for women who experience hot flashes. Consequently, product approvals in the country are likely to fuel market expansion.
The menopausal hot flashes market is witnessing significant advancements with clinical trials. For instance, in June 2023, VistaGen Therapeutics unveiled promising data on a neuroactive nasal spray, suggesting its potential to alleviate hot flashes during menopause. In a Phase 2A trial involving 36 patients, VistaGen's nasal spray successfully diminished the average daily count of menopausal hot flashes over a span of four weeks. These developments could significantly impact the menopause hot flashes market by providing a new, effective treatment option for managing symptoms.
Similarly, the treatment landscape for menopausal symptoms has expanded, with various options available to Canadian women. A study published in May 2023 by the Canadian Medical Association Journal confirmed that menopausal hormone therapy remains a first-line treatment for vasomotor symptoms, provided there are no contraindications. In Canada, systemic estrogens are available in several forms, including oral pills, transdermal patches, and gels, as well as vaginal formulations such as creams, tablets, and insertable rings.
The North American menopausal hot flashes market is undergoing a transformative phase characterized by innovative drug approvals and evolving research insights. The ongoing developments in this field promise to enhance treatment options and address the needs of millions of women experiencing the challenges of menopause.
