New menopause research unit
Is life better after HRT? That’s the question a new Menopause Research Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is looking to answer through the UK’s only study into Hormone Replacement Therapy and its effect on women’s quality of life, including sex.
The new Menopause Research Unit (MRU) was formed and is being led by N&N consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Mr Edward Morris. Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Mr Richard Warren provides the clinical lead for the unit.
The new unit is the only UK investigating site in a two-year European wide research project into the effect of HRT on women’s general quality of life and also the effect on their sex lives.
The research project, which will compare the effects of two well-established HRT drugs on menopausal patients, is taking place in seven European countries over the next two years and the UK research is being carried out at NNUH.
Mr Morris said: “Our new Menopause Research Unit in Norwich is an exciting development for us and for menopausal women locally, regionally and internationally. This new research study is looking at a very poorly studied area of the HRT and menopause field, namely the effect of HRT on women’s overall quality of life and sexual function, in particular”.
The Norwich-based MRU is now looking for at least 20 women who are already period-free and post-menopausal to take part in a confidential and randomised trial, sponsored by NV Organon, comparing two different HRT drugs, Kliovance and Livial.
Women will take part for twelve months and will take one or other of the above HRT drugs with regular and thorough health checks and monitoring every three months. In addition, women will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires about their general well-being and sexual well-being, if sexually active. Participants will also be asked to keep a diary of their menopausal symptoms.
Expenses will be paid for volunteers who take part and once the study is completed it will be published in a leading medical journal. All participants will remain completely anonymous. The research is being sponsored by pharmaceutical company NV Organon, and the company will reimburse the NHS hospital trust for all expenses associated with the research project.
- Anyone who is interested in taking part in the HRT study should write for more details to Mr Edward Morris, Menopause Research Unit, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY.