We're seeking postmenopausal women aged 55 years and over.
The ETHEL study is investigating if an approved testosterone therapy improves exercise capacity and heart function in postmenopausal women.
Who can participate?
We're seeking postmenopausal women aged 55 years and over who are at risk of heart failure to join this study.
Enquire about participating in this trial
Heart failure is common in women with diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Early changes in the heart occur well before women have symptoms of heart failure. In addition, testosterone levels decline in women, reaching their lowest point around age 60.
Our study is seeking to investigate if supplementing testosterone in postmenopausal women can prevent the development of heart failure, as well as improve exercise tolerance and muscle function.
All study participants will use a testosterone cream (approved for use in women) for 4 months and an identical placebo cream for 4 months in random order.
During that time, you will undergo extensive testing of your heart including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography (heart ultrasound) and cardiac MRI, as well as muscle function testing.
For more information, contact the Monash Women's Health Research Program:
T: (03) 9903 0836
E: womens.health@monash.edu