DisconTinuAtion of hormone rePlacement thERapy TAPER study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DisconTinuAtion of hormone rePlacement thERapy (TAPER study); How and why do women decide and experience stopping HRT, why do women decide to restart?
IRAS ID
337336
Contact name
Sarah HIllman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
Aim
Investigate why women stop Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and what they value when considering restarting it.
Background
Menopause, when periods stop and hormone levels change, often causes symptoms like hot flushes and joint pain. HRT is increasingly used to manage these symptoms, influenced by media and campaigners. No guidelines exist on HRT duration, but risks like breast cancer rise with extended use, prompting many women to limit HRT. Stopping HRT often brings back symptoms, leading some women to restart it, increasing healthcare visits and costs.
Research Method
I will:
1. Interview women and healthcare professionals about their experiences and views on stopping and restarting HRT.
2. Design a survey to understand why women restart HRT and their decision-making process.
PPI (Patient and Public Involvement)
A lead lay person (LT) who experienced severe menopausal symptoms and community groups like the South Asian Health Foundation, Cysters, and Black Women in Menopause will help ensure the research reflects diverse women's views. A patient and public involvement group will provide ongoing advice.
Dissemination
Results will be shared with women, healthcare professionals, community groups, and researchers through social media, radio, journals, and conferences. This research aims to prompt discussions about HRT cessation issues.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0168
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion