Advancing understanding of early menopause and care study
Project Details
Early menopause (menopause occurring between ages 40–44 years) affects around 10–12% of women. It may occur spontaneously, or as a result of chemotherapy/radiation or bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries). Early menopause commonly causes distressing symptoms (such as hot flushes and night sweats) and may also increase longer-term health risks. However, the causes of early menopause - particularly spontaneous early menopause - are still poorly understood.
This MRFF-funded research program aims to improve understanding, prediction, and care for early menopause by combining cutting-edge genetics and epidemiology with practical clinical tools and tailored resources to support women and clinicians.
The program includes four linked areas of work:
1) Understanding mechanisms of early menopause. We will use cutting-edge genetics to identify the biological mechanisms underlying early menopause and investigate how genetic factors interact with environmental and life-course factors. This will improve our ability to predict risk and understand why early menopause occurs for some women.
2) Optimising MHT after early menopause. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) can improve symptoms and reduce long-term health risks for many women after early menopause. However, evidence gaps remain regarding the optimal dose, delivery and duration of MHT following early menopause. This project will help define best practice to support evidence-based care.
3) Developing and evaluating the first clinical tool for early menopause (GP/clinician toolkit). We will develop and evaluate the first dedicated clinical tool for early menopause, informed by the new evidence generated in the project. This tool will support GPs and other clinicians to improve early recognition and diagnosis, decrease diagnostic delay, and strengthen symptom management and long-term health optimisation for women with both spontaneous and treatment-induced early menopause.
4) Co-developing culturally safe digital resources for CALD women. Some groups—including women from South-East Asian backgrounds—may be at elevated risk of early menopause. We will co-develop new digital resources for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) women at higher risk, addressing risk, symptoms, access to care and long-term health optimisation. These resources will be designed with consumers and community stakeholders to ensure cultural safety and relevance.
Early menopause can be life-changing. It may affect quality of life, relationships, wellbeing, and participation in work. Many women experience delays in recognition and diagnosis, inconsistent access to specialist care, and limited decision support for symptom management options. This research program aims to improve outcomes by generating new knowledge and translating it into accessible tools and resources for real-world clinical care.
How you can get involved
Consumer expressions of interest. We are seeking women with lived experience of early menopause interested in being involved in driving this research. Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Research participation. Recruitment opportunities for specific studies within this program will be advertised through our Menopause Research Panel. If you are interested in taking part, register through: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/obstetrics-gynaecology-and-newborn-health/research/menopause-research-panel
Researchers
This MRFF program brings together leading Australian experts in early menopause across primary and tertiary care, reproductive genetics, life-course epidemiology, health communication, and community engagement, alongside diverse lived experience expertise.
The project is supported by a broad range of national partners who can adopt and disseminate the outputs across policy and practice (including RACGP, Australasian Menopause Society, Victorian Department of Health, and community organisations)
Chief Investigators:
- Prof Martha Hickey (University of Melbourne)
- Prof Kirsten McCaffery (University of Sydney)
- Prof Jenny Doust (The University of Queensland)
- Dr Sarah Price (University of Melbourne)
- Dr Hsin-Fang Chung (The University of Queensland)
- A/Prof Michelle Peate (University of Melbourne)
- A/Prof Ines Rio (Monash University)
- Prof Gita Mishra (The University of Queensland)
- Dr Sally-Anne Mortlock (The University of Queensland)
- Dr Tessa Copp (University of Sydney)
- Dr Mridula Bandyopadhyay (University of Melbourne)
- Ms Fiona Reay (University of Melbourne)
Funding
This research program is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to PhD students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.