The Multiple Sclerosis Australian Women’s Midlife Years (MS-AMY) study

Why this study? Why now?

Women’s health needs have been overlooked and under-researched for a long time. Factors critical to women’s health and quality of life through their mid-years, including the impact of the menopausal transition, and how this relates to physical disability, quality of life and workplace participation in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remain unknown. Yet, a recent study with over 5000 respondents with MS ranked research into understanding how the menopausal transition and menopause affect disease activity, course, and quality of life in MS as their top priority.

In response to this need, one of Australia’s leaders in MS and women’s health research, Associate Professor Vilija Jokubaitis has teamed up with one of Australia’s leading endocrinologists, and menopause expert, Professor Susan Davis to launch the MS-AMY study.

Study Overview

The aim of the MS-AMY study is to explore the physical health, as well as the psychological, sexual, and socioeconomic wellbeing of Australian midlife women living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to compare these findings with those of women who do not have MS. This study is open only to women who have been diagnosed with MS by a neurologist. You may participate regardless of any additional health conditions you may have, beyond your MS diagnosis.

What Participation Involves

If you choose to take part, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, which will take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You will be given a unique link to the survey, so you can complete it over multiple sittings if you need to.

The questionnaire will cover a range of topics, including:

  • General health and medical history
  • Menstrual and menopausal status
  • Mood and mental health
  • Medication use
  • MS-specific questions, including MS type, symptoms, and treatment

You may withdraw from the study at any time, up to four weeks after completing the questionnaire.

This survey is hosted by Roy Morgan Research on behalf of Monash University

Other  details

  • Approved by: Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee
  • Project ID: 45712

To find out more and participate in the study, see the Explanatory Statement or contact ms-amy@monash.edu.