Does menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), exercise, or a combination of both, improve pain and function in post-menopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) clinically refers to lateral hip pain (pain at the side of the hip and upper thigh). GTPS is a debilitating and chronic condition, seen in all age groups and in both men and women. The condition is, however, most prevalent in post-menopausal women. One of the reasons for this increased prevalence in post-menopausal women is the reduced levels of circulating female sex hormones.
Our research team at La Trobe University completed a blinded 2 x 2 factorial RCT, investigating menopausal hormone therapy and exercise as interventions for post-menopausal women with GTPS. Results of this RCT (GLoBE Hip Trial) were published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Results showed any exercise in combination with education is beneficial for people with GTPS, aligning with existing research. In addition, hormone therapy with exercise and education was better than placebo with exercise and education when BMI<25. Clinically, these findings suggest hormone therapy with exercise and education may be a viable intervention option for post-menopausal women with GTPS and BMI<25.
We developed an educational infographic to promote these findings to a range of clinicians, especially sports physicians and general practitioners. Medical practitioners can provide i) direct advice on non-surgical management, ii) referral to physiotherapists for exercise and load management, and iii) hormone replacement therapy prescription where appropriate.
Staff involved: Rachael McMillan, Charlotte Ganderton, Adam Semciw, Jill Cook, Tania Pizzari
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