Early Menopause Research
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods following the loss of ovarian activity and is characterized by symptoms such as hot flushes and an increased risk of osteoporosis. The average age of menopause in Australia is 51 years. However, menopause can also occur in younger women with 1% of women experiencing spontaneous premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) before the age of 40 years and 5% of women experience spontaneous early menopause before age 45 years. Turner syndrome, due to X chromosomal monosomy, is a cause of POI. Early menopause can also occur following medical treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy, affecting up to 10% of women. Early menopause occurring spontaneously secondary to medical treatments, is associated with negative impacts on psychological and physical health, both short and long term. Increasing numbers of cancer survivors highlights the importance of early menopause as a health issue. The lack of understanding of early menopause, its health impacts and treatment options amongst consumers and health professionals, potentially leads to delayed diagnosis/sub-optimal management.
Program Lead
Clinical Associate Professor Amanda Vincent is a clinician researcher with a focus on women’s health particularly early menopause. She is lead endocrinologist in the multidisciplinary Monash Health Menopause clinic and her research involves clinical and health services research related to early menopause.
Clinical studies | |
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Major current projects
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Epidemiology research | |
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Major current projectData linkage study investigating long term health impacts of early menopause | Key collaborationProfessor Roger Hart at UWA as part of our NHMRC Partnership Project |
Health services research | |
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Major current projectStudies directed at optimizing service provision in the Menopause after Cancer clinic and Turner Syndrome are ongoing. We have previously shown that assessment at a dedicated Adult Turner syndrome clinic is associated with increased detection of co-morbidities and that delay in institution of oestrogen therapy has adverse effects on bone mineral density in women with Turner Syndrome | Key collaborationMenopause Unit, Monash Health |
Translation and education | |
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Major current projects
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