None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This project aims to understand how certain factors like age and PCOS impact the endometrium by using menstrual fluid. Like all tissues in the body, the endometrium also changes over time. In Australia, more women are getting pregnant for the first time later in life. However, as we age, fertility naturally declines and the endometrium changes as well. As the endometrium plays a key role in pregnancy, we want to understand how aging affects it and the impacts this may have. Similarly, people who have been diagnosed with PCOS, typically have longer, irregular menstrual cycles. We think this could impact the endometrium in a similar way to aging. We will assess markers of ageing in endometrial cells isolated from menstrual fluid. This research is important because if the endometrium isn’t functioning properly, it can impact fertility, regular menstruation and reproductive health overall.
Interventions
This pilot study will explore endometrial health using menstrual fluid and how it may differ between women of different age and reproductive health.
A minimum of 30 women will be recruited for this study who are of different ages, have healthy menstrual cycles or have a reproductive condition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Group 1 are 18-25 within reproductive age with typical menstrual cycles. Group 2 are 35-43 within reproductive age with typical menstrual cycles. Group 3 will be with vari
This pilot study will explore endometrial health using menstrual fluid and how it may differ between women of different age and reproductive health. A minimum of 30 women will be recruited for this study who are of different ages, have healthy menstrual cycles or have a reproductive condition, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Group 1 are 18-25 within reproductive age with typical menstrual cycles. Group 2 are 35-43 within reproductive age with typical menstrual cycles. Group 3 will be with varied reproductive age and have a self-reported diagnosis of PCOS. Menstrual fluid samples will be self collected once only on day 2 of menses for 4-6 hours. Peripheral blood will be taken once only on the day before the next predicted period begins. Participation is for one menstrual cycle only. Data generated will be used for a power analysis for a future study.
Sponsors
Flinders University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 43 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Group 1: Individuals who are assigned female at birth 18-25 years who have typical menstrual cycles Willing to complete questionnaires and use a menstrual cup to collect their own menstrual fluid Group 2: Individuals who are assigned female at birth 35-43 years who have typical menstrual cycles Willing to complete questionnaires and use a menstrual cup to collect their own menstrual fluid Group 3: Individuals who are assigned female at birth 18-43 years who have been diagnosed with PCOS Willing to complete questionnaires and use a menstrual cup to collect their own menstrual fluid
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they: (i) Are on any hormonal contraception/therapy (ii) Have severe chronic pelvic pain (iii) Have other reproductive disorders (excluding PCOS) (iv) Have a history of infertility (excluding PCOS group) (v) Have a sexually transmitted infection (vi) Have been taught by one of our researchers in the past 12 months.
Outcome results
None listed