text_1: Menopause 'hot flash' medicine could cut symptom by three quarters, trial shows
text_2: This story covers an analysis of a small study about a potential drug to treat hot flashes associated with menopause, called MLE4901. The story contains no independent sources and doesn’t stretch beyond what’s in a news release. What’s more, it omits the fact that the compound studied here won’t be used in future trials because of its potential to harm the liver. More than half of midlife women experience frequent hot flashes that can last several years, disrupting sleep and eroding their quality of life, according to one federally-funded study. While estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option, it often isn’t prescribed for long periods and may present cardiovascular and breast cancer risks. Better treatment options would be welcome, but news stories shouldn’t stir up excitement about therapies that haven’t been proven both safe and effective.