§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any plans to fund research into the costs and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and of screening techniques for detecting osteoporosis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department of Health is funding two research projects at a total cost of around £128,000, which will examine the costs and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and screening techniques for detecting osteoporosis before it is severe enough to cause symptoms.
Professor Martin Vessey of Oxford University will be examining the cost-effectiveness of HRT in relation to the menopause. HRT, which is already available on the NHS, has a role to play in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Dr. John Kanis of Sheffield university will be conducting a critical review of screening techniques for detecting osteoporosis—a disease of the weakening of the bones which primarily, but not exclusively, affects women after the menopause—before it is severe enough to give rise to symptoms.
The Department will be meeting the full costs of both studies. Professor Vessey's two-year project and Dr. Kanis' one-year project are expected to be completed by 31 January 1992 and 31 March 1991 respectively.
Menopausal symptoms or the development, later, of severe osteoporosis cause misery to many women in this country. For some of the symptoms can be very severe. We hope that these studies will enable us to find ways to improve the quality of life for women.