Women are disproportionately affected by asthma, as they are not only more likely to suffer from the disease but are also more likely to have severe asthma. There is also evidence that some women might experience changes in their asthma symptoms, both throughout their menstrual cycle and after menopause. This study aims to look at asthma symptoms in three groups of women with asthma: pre-menopausal women using no hormonal contraception, pre-menopausal women using the combined contraceptive pill, and post-menopausal women.

Why is the research being done?

This research aims to improve our understanding of how the menstrual cycle, the contraceptive pill and menopause affect asthma, in women with severe and mild-moderate asthma. This valuable knowledge will help identify improved asthma therapies, particularly for women.

Who can participate in the research trial?

We are looking for females aged ≥18 years with a doctor’s diagnosis of asthma. The study includes women who are still having periods, and women who have gone through menopause and have not had a period for 12 months.

This study may not be suitable for you if you:

• are a current smoker
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a disorder that has caused you to stop menstruating (e.g thyroid disease)
• have an irregular menstrual cycle (varies by > 15 days between shortest and longest cycle over 12 months, or your cycle length is outside the range of 26-34 days)
• use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or a hormonal contraceptive other than the combined contraceptive pill.

What will study participants be asked to do?

This study will involve participants attending HMRI for a screening visit where we will measure your height, weight and blood pressure, complete some questionnaires, do some breathing tests and blood collection. With your consent, we may look at your medical record to find information about your asthma and other health conditions to minimise time within the visits.

If you are eligible to participate, post-menopausal women and pre-menopausal women using the contraceptive pill will attend one additional visit. Pre-menopausal women not using any hormonal contraceptive will attend three additional visits over a 1-month period. These visits will be based around your menstrual cycle. Each visit will take approximately 2 hours.

How to participate

• Download and read the https://hmri.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SHE-Asthma_Infosheet_ver-5_clean.pdfParticipant Information Sheet and Consent Form
• Register your interest here

If you would like more information about the study, or to participate please contact Study Coordinator:

Tamara Blickisdorf
T: (02) 4055 0983
E: [email protected]