RecruitingObservational

Lifestyle in Perimenopause: Exploring a Community Intervention

During perimenopause and menopause, changing hormone levels can cause bones to lose strength more quickly, raising the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Staying active and eating well can protect your bones, but making healthy lifestyle changes on your own can be hard. This study evaluates a community project in Edinburgh called 'Menopause Walk with a Doc'. The project combines gentle weekly walks with friendly group talks on topics like nutrition, pelvic floor health, and managing stress. Researchers want to understand how taking part affects everyday symptoms and emotional well-being. Participants will fill out short surveys about their health and join relaxed group discussions. The findings will help charities and health services design better community support programmes for people going through the menopause.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Margaret University

Enrolment target

Start

09 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

People who are having difficulty managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

What is this study about?

During perimenopause and menopause, your body produces less oestrogen. This natural drop in hormones can speed up bone thinning, which may eventually lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of broken bones. While regular movement, good nutrition, and stress management can help protect your bones and muscles, many people find it difficult to start or keep up these lifestyle habits.

This study focuses on a supportive community programme run at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre in Edinburgh. The course combines weekly group walks with informative sessions led by health experts. Topics covered include general health, medications, food and nutrition, pelvic health, mindfulness, and herbal remedies. Researchers want to know if learning alongside other people experiencing similar changes makes it easier to stay active and protect your long-term health.

By taking part, you will help researchers understand what it is really like to navigate menopause and perimenopause in your community. The feedback gathered will be used to improve future health programmes across the UK, ensuring people receive practical, compassionate guidance when they need it most.

Key takeaways

Explores how a community walking and support group affects perimenopause symptoms and stress.
Aims to find practical ways to help protect bone and muscle strength as hormones change.
Involves filling in short surveys, gentle walking, and sharing experiences in creative group discussions.
Open to women and people assigned female at birth aged 35+ (or younger if in early menopause) in Edinburgh.
Completely voluntary with no medical treatments, drugs, or physical tests involved.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you were assigned female at birth and are aged 35 or older, or if you are going through early (premature) menopause at any age. Because the research evaluates a specific group project, you must also be enrolled in the 'Menopause Walk with a Doc' course running in early 2025 at the Health Agency in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.

You should be able to speak conversational English so that you can comfortably take part in the group chats and fill out surveys. However, if you need an interpreter and the Health Agency can arrange one for the walking course, the research team can provide funding to help cover translation for the study activities.

People who do not meet these criteria, or who are unable to attend the local Edinburgh sessions, will not be able to take part.

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.

I was assigned female at birth.
I am aged 35 or older, or I am experiencing early menopause at a younger age.
I am signed up for the 'Menopause Walk with a Doc' course in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.
I can speak conversational English, or can attend with an approved interpreter.
I am comfortable talking about my health experiences in a small group setting.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study happens alongside the weekly 'Menopause Walk with a Doc' programme. You will not need to take any trial medicines or undergo medical scans. Instead, you will be asked to complete two standard questionnaires about your menopause symptoms and everyday stress levels. You will also be invited to join focus groups where you can share your thoughts in a safe setting. These sessions may involve gentle, creative exercises such as drawing a personal health timeline or creating a 'body map' to describe how your body feels. Group conversations will be audio-recorded so researchers can accurately capture your feedback. Later in the study, you may also choose to attend a group review meeting with local healthcare workers to discuss what the findings mean. The overall study runs through to late 2026, but your direct involvement will match the length of your community course.

Potential risks and benefits

You may not get any direct personal medical benefit from taking part, but many people find that sharing experiences in a warm, welcoming peer group helps them feel less alone. The information you give will also help shape better menopause support for others. The main risk is that talking about your health, body changes, or stress might feel emotional or upsetting. If you ever feel distressed, activities will be paused straight away. The team will provide one-to-one debriefing, contact details for trusted support organisations, and access to support from the neighbouring health clinic. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can stop at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your ordinary healthcare.

Locations (1)

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

The Health Agency
City only
Edinburgh, Scotland

Common questions

Do I have to take any new medications or treatments?

No. This study does not test any drugs or medical treatments. It looks entirely at lifestyle, peer support, and gentle community activities.

Where does the study take place?

All research activities take place in person at the Health Agency, based at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre in Edinburgh.

Does it cost anything to take part?

No, joining the study is free. If you need language interpretation and it can be arranged for the course, the research project can cover the cost for the study parts.

What happens if talking about my symptoms makes me upset?

The researchers understand these topics are deeply personal. You can take a break or stop at any point. A researcher will offer you a private chat, and they can connect you with professional support at the adjoining health clinic.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You are free to withdraw at any time. Leaving the study will not affect your standard medical care or your involvement in other community services.

How to find out more

Cathy Bulley

CBulley@qmu.ac.uk +44 (0)1314740000 Official trial record

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