Researchers in Oxford are looking to recruit women who have painful osteoarthritis in the joints of their hands.

The HOPE-e study, paused during Covid, is currently looking for women aged 40 to 65 years old who are between one and 10 years after their menopause.

Participants will take either a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tablet or a placebo for 24 weeks.

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Due to the pandemic, four of the five study visits are now typically carried out over the telephone with only the first screening visit requiring a face-to-face visit to the clinic.

Professor Fiona Watt, chief investigator, from Oxford University, said: “Just like the NHS, research needs to be flexible and change to new models where we can, whilst making sure everyone stays safe.

"Ultimately, we hope this ‘new look’ may also prove popular with women who work, have busy lives or live further away who have painful hand osteoarthritis and want to take part in the study.”

Visit hope.octru.ox.ac.uk.