Estrogen Replacement for Bone Health in Aging Women with HIV
Impact of estrogen replacement therapy on bone health in an aging population of women living with HIV
This research looks at how estrogen replacement therapy might help protect the bones of older women living with HIV who are going through menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As women with HIV live longer thanks to modern treatments, many will experience menopause, which can weaken bones. HIV medications can also affect bone health, potentially making the problem worse for these women. This project explores whether estrogen replacement therapy can slow down bone loss during menopause for women living with HIV. Researchers will use a special non-human primate model that mimics HIV infection, treatment, and menopause to understand how estrogen affects bone structure and quality. They will also check if bone marrow, which can harbor HIV, has enough cells needed for healthy bones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for women living with HIV who are approaching or experiencing menopause and are concerned about their bone health.
Not a fit: Patients who are not women, are not living with HIV, or are not experiencing menopause would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect bone health and prevent fractures in aging women living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of HIV, ART, menopause, and estrogen replacement in this model is novel, estrogen replacement therapy is a known treatment for bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sauter, Kristin Ad — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Sauter, Kristin Ad
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.