A $3 million research program will develop practical guidance for GPs treating women with surgical menopause and cancer-related symptoms.
GPs are set to get more help navigating one of the trickier corners of menopause care, with a new $3 million research program promising practical guidance for women with surgical menopause and those experiencing symptoms after cancer treatment.
The NHMRC-funded program, led by University of Melbourne menopause researcher Professor Martha Hickey, will investigate the physical and mental health consequences of surgical and early menopause and how treatments including menopausal hormone therapy can help.
A key goal will be translating the evidence into a clinical toolkit for GPs.
“Although safe and effective treatments are available, most women who have had cancer cannot access them,” said Professor Hickey, who is also head of Menopause Services at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
“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.”
The issue is particularly complex after cancer, where treatment itself can trigger menopausal symptoms and the safety and suitability of hormone therapy may depend on the cancer and its treatment.
Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy can cause menopausal symptoms, while endocrine treatments may also be implicated. Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, fatigue, mood changes and sexual problems.
For younger women, the effects can arrive years before natural menopause would otherwise be expected.
Professor Hickey said gaps in menopause knowledge were contributing to inequities in care at the same time as women were being confronted with a rapidly expanding commercial menopause market.
“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 new work comes alongside development of Australia’s first national clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause, with Professor Hickey part of the team developing the recommendations.
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The guidelines are expected to give GPs and other health professionals evidence-based advice on treatment and management options, with women themselves contributing to their development.
“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,” Professor Hickey said.
The Royal Women’s Hospital established its multidisciplinary Menopause Symptoms After Cancer Clinic in 2010, bringing together gynaecologists, endocrinologists, psychiatry, psychology, sexual counselling and specialist nursing.
Professor Hickey said the new research should ultimately make that expertise more accessible in primary care, rather than leaving women dependent on specialist menopause services.
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.”
The University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital will also host a public menopause evidence panel on 16 September, featuring Professor Hickey, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health CEO Dr Sarah White and GP Dr Marita Long.
To register see here.
