Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) awarded The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York a Project Grant of $552,154 effective February 1, 2026, through November 30, 2030, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866). This research project addresses the underutilization of systemic hormone therapy (HT) in women experiencing premature or early menopause—conditions affecting approximately 9.3% of U.S. women and carrying elevated risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and neurological complications compared to natural menopause. Columbia's Health Sciences Division will deliver research services to characterize hormone therapy use trajectories, identify patient and physician factors influencing HT initiation and continuation, ascertain perceived barriers and facilitators to treatment, and develop a dynamic risk prediction model to identify women at high risk for HT underuse.

The research will focus on a homogeneous population of women without malignancy or hereditary cancer predisposition to isolate influencing factors more effectively. Deliverables include empirical data on HT utilization patterns, qualitative findings from patients and physicians regarding treatment barriers and facilitators, and a preliminary clinical decision-support tool designed to improve long-term health outcomes for this underserved population. The project aligns with NIA's mission to support research addressing age-related health challenges and prevention strategies.