A Selective Estrogen Receptor Beta Agonist for the Treatment of Hot Flushes: Phase 2 Clinical Trial

J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Sep;22(9):722-8. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0021. Epub 2016 Jul 22.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) agonist, Dr. Tagliaferri's Menopause Formula (MF102), to treat the symptoms of menopause.

Methods: An open-label trial of MF102 taken for 12 weeks by 30 postmenopausal women aged 40-65 years, who experienced a minimum of five moderate to severe hot flushes per day. The primary efficacy outcome was a change in the frequency of moderate to severe hot flushes from baseline to week 12. A change in the frequency of hot flushes that woke participants from their sleep from baseline to 12 weeks was a secondary endpoint. Lipid profile and endometrial thickness were also evaluated.

Results: Thirty postmenopausal women with an average of nine moderate to severe hot flushes per day were treated with MF102 4 g/day; 27 participants completed the study. The median percent reduction in moderate to severe hot flushes was 71% (p < 0.001). The median percent reduction in hot flushes that woke participants from their sleep was 54% (p < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and total cholesterol both declined significantly from baseline. There were no serious adverse events, reports of abnormal uterine bleeding, or significant changes in double-wall endometrial thickness.

Conclusions: Treatment with MF102 resulted in a marked decrease in the frequency of moderate to severe hot flushes, was well-tolerated, and demonstrated no safety concerns.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use*
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / agonists*
  • Female
  • Hot Flashes / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Estrogen Receptor beta