ESTEEM - Evaluating effectivenesS and cost-effectiveness of TEstosteronE for Menopause QoL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ESTEEM: EVALUATING THE CLINICAL AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF TESTOSTERONE TO IMPROVE MENOPAUSE-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE
IRAS ID
1008601
Contact name
Helen Munro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN21554333
Research summary
The ESTEEM trial is testing whether adding testosterone to standard Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help reduce menopausal symptoms beyond just improving libido. Many women on HRT still experience symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, brain fog, low mood, headaches, and low energy. This study will be the first to look at how testosterone may help with these wider symptoms.
The trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will include over 400 peri-menopausal and menopausal women across the UK. Women can self-refer or be recruited through their GP. Menopause typically happens around age 51, but symptoms often begin earlier and may last several years. Around 80–90% of women are affected, with 25% finding the symptoms severe. HRT is currently the most effective treatment, but it doesn’t always fully relieve symptoms.
While testosterone is known to help with libido in post-menopausal women, its effects on other symptoms are not yet clear. The trial also aims to understand any possible side effects, like acne, weight gain, or unwanted hair growth, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Women taking part will already be using HRT but still have symptoms. They’ll be randomly placed into one of two groups—one will get testosterone cream, the other a dummy cream—with both used for 12 months alongside their regular HRT. Participants will track their symptoms at the start, and again at 3, 6, and 12 months using questionnaires.
Researchers will also measure the impact of symptoms on daily life, such as missed work or use of healthcare services. Some participants and healthcare professionals will be interviewed to understand how to make the study more accessible and improve future treatment options. The trial will be promoted through GP practices, pharmacies, and social media.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0770
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion