RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Getting Under the Skin of the Menopausal Hot Flush

This research aims to get a better understanding of menopausal hot flushes. Scientists believe changes in tiny skin blood vessels and sweat glands might play a role. They will gently test how these parts of the skin respond to certain substances and take a tiny skin sample to examine them closely. By studying these differences in women who experience hot flushes compared to those who don't, the researchers hope to uncover what causes these flushes. This new knowledge could then help in developing more effective treatments, making life more comfortable for women going through menopause.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Liverpool John Moores University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Menopause

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding why some women experience hot flushes during menopause. Hot flushes can be a really disruptive symptom, and scientists don't fully understand exactly why they happen. This research is focusing on two tiny but important parts of your skin: the very small blood vessels and the sweat glands. They want to see if there are any differences in these areas in women who have hot flushes.

The researchers will do two main things. Firstly, they'll test how well the skin's tiny blood vessels and sweat glands respond to certain substances. They'll do this by delivering very small amounts of these substances directly into the skin to see if they increase blood flow or sweating. Secondly, they'll take a very tiny sample of skin (called a biopsy) to look closely at the structure of these blood vessels and sweat glands. They want to see if their shape or arrangement is different in women who get hot flushes.

Finding out if there are changes in how these parts of the skin work or how they're built could be a big step forward. It would help us understand the root cause of hot flushes much better. This understanding is key because it could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments, ultimately making menopause an easier experience for many women.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand why women get menopausal hot flushes.
It will examine how tiny skin blood vessels and sweat glands work.
Participation involves two visits, including blood tests and a small skin sample.
The research helps find new ways to treat hot flushes in the future.
This is an observational study, not one testing new medicines.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women to take part. There are two main groups they're interested in: women aged over 45 who have gone through menopause and experience frequent hot flushes, and younger women aged 18-30 who still have regular periods (this group will help them compare).

To be eligible, you need to be a non-smoker, have a healthy body weight (BMI between 18 and 30), and not have any serious heart, lung, or metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes. You also can't be taking any medication specifically for hot flushes, and you should drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week.

There are also reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're pregnant, a smoker, have certain allergies (like to local anaesthetic), or if you've recently had a vaccination. They also can't accept women who are between 31 and 44 years old, or men.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you female and aged 18-30 (with regular periods) or over 45 (post-menopausal with hot flushes)?
Are you generally healthy, a non-smoker, and have a healthy body weight?
Do you have no history of heart, lung, or metabolic diseases like diabetes?
Are you not currently taking any medication for hot flushes?
Do you drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week?
Are you not pregnant and have no known allergies to local anaesthetic?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to visit the laboratory twice. During your first visit, the researchers will take some basic measurements like your height and weight, and you'll have a blood sample taken. This blood sample will help them check your hormone levels and other markers related to inflammation. Afterwards, they will gently test how your skin's tiny blood vessels and sweat glands react. This involves a method where small amounts of substances are delivered into the skin. About a week later, you'll come in for your second visit, where they will take a very small skin sample, usually from your arm. This is a quick procedure, done under local anaesthetic. There is no mention of specific medication being given other than the substances for skin testing, nor is there any long-term follow-up beyond these two visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. For you, the main benefit is contributing to important medical research that could one day help many women suffering from hot flushes. You might also learn more about your own health. Potential risks might include discomfort or slight bruising from the blood test and the skin sample, or a mild reaction to the substances used in the skin test or the local anaesthetic. Be assured, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Liverpool John Moores University
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly is a 'hot flush'?

A hot flush is a sudden feeling of intense heat, usually over your face, neck, and chest, often accompanied by sweating and a feeling of warmth.

Will I be given any new treatment during the study?

No, this study is focused on understanding hot flushes, not on testing a new treatment. You won't be given any new medications for your hot flushes as part of this research.

How long will each visit take?

The study description doesn't specify the exact duration of each visit, but they will involve various assessments, so likely a few hours per visit.

What is a 'skin biopsy'?

A skin biopsy is when a very small piece of skin is gently removed, usually after numbing the area. It's a quick procedure that helps doctors look at the skin cells under a microscope.

Will I get results from my blood tests or skin sample?

The study description focuses on using the samples for research purposes to understand hot flushes. You might not receive individual results, but you can always ask the study team about their policy.

How to find out more

Kirsty A. Roberts, PhD

k.a.roberts@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 904 6244 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.