A Look Back at the Top Women’s Health Advances in 2019 and an Eye Towards 2020!

By: Holly L. Thacker, MD • Posted on December 06, 2019

The year 2019 saw many advances and approvals of new women’s health therapies from contraception to postpartum depression to menopause to osteoporosis to migraines. The end of the year is a time to take stock of what has happened in the last year, while planning for an exciting new year.

New Therapies for Women

New Injectable Medication for Low Libido/HSDD

Vyleesi®/Bremelananotide is a new on-demand injectable therapy.
The first oral HSDD medication Addyi®/Flibanserin had the alcohol prohibition lifted.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Bijuva® (estradiol/progesterone in coconut oil) is taken orally after dinner to treat postmenopausal women desiring bio-identical therapy.

New Contraceptive Options

Slynd® (Drospirenone) is an oral non-estrogen progestin daily therapy.
Annovera® yearly vaginal ring system of ethinyl estradiol and segesterone acetate.
Both contraceptives will give more options and convenience for busy women.

IV Rapid Onset Medication for Postpartum Depression

Zulrussao® (Brexanolone) is an expensive, new quick acting option for postpartum depression.

New Nasal Spray for Depression

Spravato®/Esketamine a nasal spray for treatment resistant depression.

New Bone Building Monthly Injectable

Evenity®/Romosozumaub is a novel monthly injection for 12 months that has bone building (anabolic) and anti-resorptive effects. The dual acting drug is one of Cleveland Clinic's top innovations for 2020.

New Migraine Therapies

Reyvow®/Lasmiditan is an oral tablet for treatment of migraine with or without an aura.
A new device called Nerivio Migra is a wearable neurostimulation device.

Other Notable Advances in the News

New Drug for Cystic Fibrosis

Trifafta®/Elexacaftor/ivacaftor/teracaftor is the first triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis - a severe pediatric and young adult inherited disease.

Global Consensus Statement on use of Testosterone

Flailing libido in postmenopausal women give women’s health physicians guidance in treating women with off label testosterone.

Emphasis on Managing Genito-urinary Syndrome of Menopause in Breast Cancer Survivors

There is a renewed emphasis on treating genito-urinary syndrome of menopause in breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine therapy.

Cost Effectiveness of Treating Urinary Incontinence

There is cost effectiveness of treating urinary incontinence in women with pelvic stimulation devices.

During 2019 a new device Attain was FDA cleared for both urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.

First American Woman to Give Birth with Donor Uterine Transplant

For the first time in America, a woman gives birth after uterus transplant from a deceased donor. This baby girl delivered at Cleveland Clinic made history.

Some Cautionary News in 2019

There were some negative medical news in 2019, including:

transvaginal mesh recall
certain breast implant recall due to an increase in the risk of lymphoma
generic zantac recall due to carcinogen contamination
fluoroquinolone antibiotic being associated with heart valve problems

An Eye Towards 2020 and Beyond

Virtual Healthcare: A rapid advance of virtual visits, telemedicine and e-consults
New Osteoporosis Patch Study: In general, Osteoporosis is undertreated. Severe anabolic options like daily injectable, monthly injectable and hopefully in the future a 10 minute daily patch therapy for Tymlos®/Abaloparatide may be available.
Hot Flash Therapy: Future specific hot flash therapy with Fezolinetant (a KNDY neuron 3 receptor antatgonist) in study appears very promising.
Therapy for Obesity: New advances in medical therapies for obesity remain key to reducing several chronic disease.

Award Winning Digital Program

Speaking of Women's Health was once again honored to be named one of the best women’s health blogs. Be sure to download our free treatment guidebooks, which can facilitate medical appointments and check out our news and breaking columns. And don't forget to follow us on social media for the latest to help you and your family:

Be Strong. Be Healthy. And Be in Charge!

- Holly L. Thacker, MD

women's health, women's health advances in 2019, dr. holly l. thacker, Dr. Thacker

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