Understanding The Cardio-protective Actions Of The AT2R In Females: Shifting Gears Between AT1 And AT2 Receptor Balance Of Function With Relaxin.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,049,288.00
Summary
Women are protected from cardiovascular disease as compared to age-matched men, an effect lost with age. Understanding protective factors that act in females could be used to treat hypertension, heart failure and stroke in males at all ages, and maintain protection in elderly women. Our studies aim to determine if relaxin, an ovarian hormone, can promote cardiovascular health in women.
The Role Of MMPs 1 And 9 And MT-1 MMP In Hormone Replacement Therapy Related Irregular Bleeding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,625.00
Summary
Approximately 40% of women in Australia chose to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This choice is usually based upon the perceived benefits of HRT such as the relief of debilitating menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes and sweats), the prevention of brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) and the potential prevention of heart disease and memory loss (dementia). Unfortunately, many of these women (up to two thirds in a large UK study) then suffer from irregular bleeding. This is not only in ....Approximately 40% of women in Australia chose to take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This choice is usually based upon the perceived benefits of HRT such as the relief of debilitating menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes and sweats), the prevention of brittle bone disease (osteoporosis) and the potential prevention of heart disease and memory loss (dementia). Unfortunately, many of these women (up to two thirds in a large UK study) then suffer from irregular bleeding. This is not only inconvenient, but raises anxiety that the bleeding may be a symptom of serious illness such as cancer of the womb. Many HRT users then undergo internal examinations, tests and operations to exclude cancer as the cause of the bleeding. In almost all cases no other abnormality is found. However, many women decide not to continue with HRT because of this troublesome bleeding. Very little is understood about the reason why women using HRT have irregular bleeding. Furthermore, there are no ways of predicting who will be affected and no established way to stopping or preventing bleeding apart from discontinuing HRT. This problem affects all HRT preparations. Previous pilot studies by the CI (Associate Professor Martha Hickey) have demonstrated for the first time that there are changes in the lining of the womb in women using HRT which may lead to bleeding. These are similar to changes seen in younger women with breakthrough bleeding using contraceptives. The planned project intends to futher explore the actions of the important molecules which break down the blood vessels of the womb lining (endometrium) and cause bleeding. This raises the possibility that specific agents could be developed to stop or prevent bleeding in HRT users. This is likely to substantially increase the acceptability of HRT and may thus have major positive health implications for women in Australia and worldwide.Read moreRead less
Neural Basis Of The Thermal Instability That Leads To Menopausal Hot Flushes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,535.00
Summary
Hot flushes and night sweats affect 80-90% of women during the menopause transition. In 20% of women these symptoms are severe. The mechanisms are not well understood, and non-hormonal treatments are urgently needed. We can investigate the basic brain mechanisms in an animal model, the sheep. The findings will elucidate the mechanisms that disrupt normal temperature regulation and thus lead the way to better therapies for this common, and often debilitating, condition. .
The Evidence-based Consumer: Making Informed Decisions About Menopause, Hormone Replacement And Complementary Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,750.00
Summary
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 ....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.Read moreRead less
Transplantation of frozen ovarian tissue is being used by young patients at risk of losing ovarian function. This study aims to maximize the likelihood that patients who have ovarian tissue collected, frozen and returned will acheive the desired outcome of returning ovarian hormonal cyclicity, ovulation, or fertility.