Cannim Group and NICM Health Research Institute are stepping up their research into women’s health issues with the launch of an observational study exploring the effects of medicinal cannabis on symptoms associated with the menopause.
Recruitment is underway for the project that will see 60 peri or post-menopausal women aged 45 to 65 prescribed medicinal cannabis for six months.
The primary outcome will be sleep quality as measured by the change in score on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PQSI), with anxiety, frequency of hot flushes, depression/mood, cognitive functioning and quality of life the secondary measures.
The prescribed medicinal cannabis products will be individualised to each patient.
The study will be led by NICM director of research Associate Professor Mike Armour, Dr Emily Yang, Associate Professor Genevieve Steiner-Lim and Dr Tannia Perich, supported by Cannim Healthcare strategy lead Melanie Wentzel.
Although 20% of women experience no symptoms, every woman is affected by the menopause in some way, significantly influencing their health and quality of life.
It is the second observational study into women’s health to be run by NICM and Cannim. The first, launched last year, is exploring the effects of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of period pain.
Wentzel said it was crucial to unlock new treatments for women living through the menopause.
“The image many people have of a ‘menopausal woman’ often looks something like the cast of ‘The Golden Girls’ – past our peak, grey haired, and grumpy,” she said. “But the truth is that the first stage of menopause – peri-menopause – comes to greet us when we are in the prime of our lives.
“For many our careers are thriving, our children are becoming young adults, we are still incredibly active both socially and physically, and we are experiencing more freedom that we have ever known; and we know ourselves better than we ever have.
“Reframing the menopause experience for women as a beautiful and powerful transition which begins in our prime, and as an opportunity to reconsider our approach to health and wellness, is important.”
She argued it should not be a case of “HRT or the highway”, but about “exploring and understanding our options and making informed decisions that work for us”.
“That’s why this research is exciting,” Wentzel said. “It’s opening up the conversation and giving Australian women a pathway to explore medicinal cannabis as an option to relieve some of those symptoms we experience, like sleep disturbance which has a ripple effect into overall health and wellness.
“I would encourage women to call and discuss if the study might be suitable for them, and also to discuss the study with the women in your life who may benefit from being a part of it.”
Prescribers treating women who are suffering from sleep disorders as a result of the menopause are being asked to refer patients interested in the study to the Natura Clinics website for more details.
Further information is also available by calling the study team on 1300 413 379.