The evidence-based consumer: making informed decisions about menopause, hormone replacement and complementary therapies [ 2003 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Louis Pilotto (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Elizabeth Farmer ,  Alice Maclennan ,  Dr Helena Williams ,  Prof Adrian Esterman
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Brief description This project aims to find out whether providing women with information about menopause, and therapies to treat the symptoms and effects of menopause will change their use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or complementary therapies. A menopause information kit or brochure(s) with information about the risks and benefits of therapies and treatments for the symptoms and effects of menopause, will be provided to a group of women between the ages of 40 and 64 years. The information will be based on up-to-date medical evidence about conventional HRT along with evidence about complementary therapies such as wild yam cream and herbal medicines. The information will outline the risks and benefits of these and other therapies as well as the proper use of HRT to control symptoms and effects of menopause. Current knowledge about reduction in heart disease risk and prevention of osteoporosis with the use of HRT, and the current knowledge about risk of ovarian, breast and uterine cancer will also be included in the information kit or brochure(s). The sample of women living in the Southern metropolitan region of South Australia will be included in the trial. They will be asked to complete a questionnaire and then some of the women will be asked to study the information about menopause and HRT. All participants will be asked to complete further questionnaires 3 months and 12 months later. The results will show whether providing women with information about menopause, HRT and complementary therapy will result in: 1. the women being more informed and better equipped to make the right decisions about treatment of the symptoms and effects of menopause, and 2. a more appropriate use of hormone replacement and complementary therapies to meet the individual needs of the women.

Funding Amount $AUD 97,750.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant