Improving the physical and mental health of women with surgical or early menopause and guidance for managing menopause after cancer will be the focus of new research led by the University of Melbourne.
A $3 million National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant, led by University of Melbourne Professor Martha Hickey, will focus on how to better support women navigating menopause, particularly surgical menopause and menopause after cancer.
Removal of both ovaries before a woman experiences natural menopause is referred to as surgical menopause.
Professor Hickey, also Head of Menopause Services at the Women's sa id the research team wants to better understand how surgical menopause affects women's physical and mental health, and how treatments such as menopausal hormone therapy are helpful.
Many cancer survivors also experience troublesome symptoms.
"Although safe and effective treatments are available, most women who have had cancer cannot access them," Professor Hickey said.
"This funding will allow us to establish a clinical toolkit to empower GPs, accelerate access to safe and effective treatments for cancer patients and make it easier for women to complete their cancer treatment."
Despite millions of women being impacted by menopause around the world, Professor Hickey said knowledge gaps are creating a divide in clinical care.
"There is also a 'gold rush' happening too, where women are being targeted with supplements, treatments and marketing online and on social media," she said.
"The tidal wave of mis and disinformation makes it critically important to make sure women have access to evidence-based support."
The University and Royal Women's Hospital will host a panel discussion on Myth-busting Menopause: what the evidence tells us about living well on 16 September.
Panellists include Professor Hickey, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health , Dr Sarah White and GP Dr Marita Long.
Professor Hickey will also be part of the team to develop Australia's first national clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause.
"This will be the first time that Australia has developed guidelines which will help provide clinicians and healthcare providers important advice around supporting women through menopause, including best-practice treatments and options," she said.
"Importantly, women will also be asked to share their views and be included in the discussion to develop these guidelines."
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy AM said the NHMRC funding provided critical support for Professor Hickey's research to address this complex global challenge.
"This work is a powerful example of how world-leading research can address significant health challenges and deliver tangible benefits for women, their families and the broader community," Professor Cassidy said.
"It reflects our commitment through Advancing Research 2030 to delivering enduring positive impact – translating discoveries and evidence into better health outcomes and improving lives.
"Through strong partnerships with health services, clinicians and the community, this research will help ensure women have access to the evidence and care they need at every stage of their menopause journey."
