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Does Veozah Help With Mood Swings?

Key Takeaways

  • Veozah (fezolinetant) is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Veozah is non-hormonal and does not contain estrogen or progesterone, unlike hormone replacement therapy.
  • While Veozah is not approved specifically for mood swings, some menopausal women may notice improvements in mood as sleep, quality of life, and symptom severity improve.
  • Mood swings during perimenopause and menopause are complex and influenced by hormones, sleep disruption, and overall well-being.
  • A healthcare provider can help determine whether Veozah or other treatment options are appropriate for mood-related symptoms.

What Is Veozah?

Veozah is the brand name for fezolinetant, a prescription drug developed by Astellas and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause. These symptoms include hot flashes, hot flushes, and night sweats, which are among the most common symptoms experienced by menopausal women.

Unlike hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Veozah is a non-hormonal treatment. It does not raise estrogen levels or replace declining hormones such as estradiol or progesterone. Instead, it targets a specific receptor involved in temperature regulation.

How Veozah Works

Veozah works by blocking the neurokinin 3 receptor in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. During menopause, declining estrogen levels disrupt temperature control, leading to vasomotor symptoms such as severe hot flashes and night sweats.

Fezolinetant is a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist. By inhibiting this receptor, Veozah helps stabilize body temperature signals and reduce the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms of menopause.

This mechanism is different from estrogen-based hormone therapy, which works by restoring estrogen levels throughout the body.

Is Veozah Approved to Treat Mood Swings?

Veozah is not FDA-approved to treat mood swings, depression, anxiety, or other mood-related symptoms. Its approved indication is limited to vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.

That said, many women ask whether Veozah helps with mood swings because mood changes are a common part of menopause and perimenopause. Symptoms such as irritability, emotional ups and downs, and changes in well-being often occur alongside vasomotor symptoms.

Why Mood Swings Occur During Menopause

Mood swings during menopause are influenced by several factors, including:

  • Fluctuating estrogen levels that affect neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.
  • Sleep disruption caused by night sweats and severe hot flashes.
  • Stress related to physical symptoms and changes in quality of life.
  • Other common symptoms such as vaginal dryness, fatigue, and cognitive changes.

Because estrogen interacts with serotonin, dopamine, and other brain pathways, changes in estrogen levels can contribute directly to mood swings. This is why hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants are sometimes used as treatment options for menopausal mood symptoms.

Can Veozah Indirectly Improve Mood?

Although Veozah does not directly treat mood swings, some women may notice mood improvement indirectly. This is primarily related to better control of vasomotor symptoms.

Reducing night sweats and hot flashes can lead to:

  • Improved sleep quality
  • Less daytime fatigue
  • Reduced irritability
  • Better overall well-being

What Clinical Trials Show

In placebo-controlled clinical trials, Veozah significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared with placebo. These trials focused on vasomotor symptoms, not mood disorders.

Participants reported fewer severe hot flashes and night sweats, which are major contributors to sleep disruption. Improved sleep is closely linked to mood stability, but this does not mean Veozah acts as an antidepressant or mood stabilizer.

There is currently no strong evidence that Veozah directly treats mood swings in the same way that hormone therapy or antidepressants might.

Veozah vs Hormone Therapy for Mood Symptoms

Hormone replacement therapy, which includes estrogen or combined estrogen and progesterone, can help with both vasomotor symptoms and mood swings in some women. However, hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone, especially women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or certain medical conditions.

Veozah offers a non-hormonal option for women who:

  • Cannot take estrogen
  • Prefer to avoid hormone therapy
  • Have concerns about breast cancer risk

For mood swings that are severe or persistent, healthcare professionals may consider:

  • Hormone therapy
  • Antidepressants
  • Other interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy

Veozah may be part of a broader treatment plan, but it is not usually used alone to address mood changes.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Like all prescription drugs, Veozah can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include headache, abdominal discomfort, and elevated liver enzymes.

Because of the potential for liver enzyme changes, liver function tests are required before starting Veozah and during treatment. Women with certain liver conditions may not be candidates for this medication.

Serious side effects are uncommon but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Who Might Benefit Most From Veozah

Veozah may be a good option for menopausal women who:

  • Have severe vasomotor symptoms.
  • Experience frequent hot flashes or night sweats.
  • Cannot or do not want to use hormone replacement therapy.
  • Are looking for non-hormonal treatment options.

Women in perimenopause or menopause whose mood swings are closely tied to sleep disruption may notice secondary benefits when vasomotor symptoms improve.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider

You should talk to a healthcare provider or gynecologist if:

  • Mood swings are severe or worsening.
  • Symptoms interfere with daily functioning or relationships.
  • You are unsure whether Veozah is appropriate for you.
  • You are considering supplements or over-the-counter products for menopause.

A healthcare professional can help determine whether mood swings are likely related to menopause, sleep disruption, or another medical condition, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Bottom Line

Veozah does not directly treat mood swings and is not approved for mood-related symptoms. However, by reducing hot flashes and night sweats, it may indirectly improve mood for some menopausal women by improving sleep and overall quality of life. Women experiencing significant mood swings should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider to explore hormone therapy, antidepressants, or other targeted interventions.

FAQs

Does Veozah help with mood swings?
Veozah is not approved to treat mood swings, but some women may notice mood improvement if sleep and vasomotor symptoms improve.

Is Veozah a hormone therapy?
No. Veozah is non-hormonal and does not contain estrogen or progesterone.

Can Veozah replace antidepressants?
No. Veozah does not treat depression or anxiety and should not replace antidepressants.

Who should not take Veozah?
Women with certain liver conditions or those advised against it by a healthcare provider should avoid Veozah.

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