Presented September 18–20, 2024, at the Annual Meeting of the American Menopause Society
CLEVELAND, OH – Memory lapses, brain fog, and other cognitive changes affect up to 70% of women during menopause, yet treatment options remain scarce. Research from UCLA inventor and CleopatraRX founder Rhonda Voskuhl, MD, was presented by Noriko Itoh. Research findings point to a promising solution: targeting estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in the brain, which may provide neuroprotection without the risks linked to standard hormone therapy.
The most common form of hormone replacement therapy, estradiol, is FDA-approved for hot flashes only and must be used sparingly due to breast cancer concerns. On the other hand, ERβ ligands may deliver the neuroprotective benefits of estrogen without the drawbacks. Prior studies in women with multiple sclerosis and in experimental models show ERβ’s potential to preserve brain function.
These findings mark an important step toward developing therapies that not only ease symptoms, but also protect long-term cognitive health for millions of menopausal women.
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About UCLA Health: UCLA Health is among the nation’s premier academic medical systems, recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and education. The Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is internationally known for advancing treatments in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Through discovery and innovation, UCLA Health scientists continue to translate laboratory breakthroughs into therapies that improve lives worldwide.
About the American Menopause Society (AMS): The American Menopause Society is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of women through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. AMS supports education, clinical practice, and research to advance safe and effective treatments that improve women’s health during the midlife transition and beyond.About CleopatraRX™: CleopatraRX™ is a women’s health company redefining menopause care through brain-targeted hormone therapy. Founded by UCLA neurologist and scientist Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, CleopatraRX developed the patented PearlPAK® treatment—the first menopause therapy designed to support cognition by activating estrogen receptors in the brain. With an integrated telehealth platform, CleopatraRX delivers personalized, science-based care that helps women preserve cognitive health through midlife and beyond.