Research Profiles
A primary goal of the network is to foster new and existing collaboration in menstrual cycle health research. Amongst our members, we have a wide range of expertise from bench-top scientists, clinical leads and social researchers. If you are looking for other individuals who work in your area of expertise or are looking to discover something new in the menstrual cycle health space, we hope that you can find this here.
Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page so we can add your information to this resource!
We also have a page dedicated to active study recruitment.
-
Our research helps menstrual cycle wellbeing by investigating how people use and understand period-tracking apps and their menstrual cycle data. The CycleData project evaluates menstrual apps for their suitability to Aotearoa New Zealand. Previous research focused on how app users and healthcare providers view menstrual apps for healthcare, and whether app users rely on their apps for pregnancy prevention. Articles, published research, and current studies are posted on our website.
tracking apps | qualitative | digital dataOvarian Biology | follicle Growth | oocyte Quality-
The Pankhurst lab is based in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago. The research focus in this lab is the regulation of ovarian follicle development. Previous projects involving protein studies and 3D modelling of the ovary have uncovered novel effects of Anti-Mullerian hormone. Current projects in the lab focus on the ovarian reserve, egg quality and how these change with age. This research utilises human, animal and ovary culture experiments to improve our understanding of reproductive biology and female infertility.
Publications from PI Michael Pankhurst can be found here.
Uterine Biology | Menstrual Cycle health | endometriosis-
The Girling lab is based in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. Jane’s team is interested in the biology of the uterus, in menstrual cycle health, and in the common inflammatory condition endometriosis. Current projects include examining biological, clinical, and psychosocial factors at the intersection of endometriosis and polycystic ovary disease (PCOS). With her PhD student, she is hoping to develop research models of menstruation and to use these models to examine the impact of diet on the menstrual process. She is also involved in research examining information needs and the available resources needed for menstrual cycle health.
Publications from Jane Girling and her team can be found here.
-
My neuroendocrinology research group's interests are focused on the modulation of fertility by hormones such as androgens (which are often elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome) and leptin (which conveys information about stored energy reserves to the reproductive control centres of the brain). I’m also interested in the effects of a group of brain cells called RFRP neurons, which appear to be important for linking stress signals and fertility modulation. Beyond our focused basic research projects, our 'big picture' goal is the development of new and improved treatments for infertility. The Anderson Research Group is based in the Department of Anatomy and forms one of the laboratories that make up University of Otago's Centre for Neuroendocrinology. Contact PI Greg Anderson
Neuroendocrinology | pcos | infertility
-
The Translational Gynaecology Research Group is located at the University of Otago, Wellington. Projects in this group are patient-focused, spanning clinical, qualitative and lab based methodologies. We are aim to improve equity and access to diagnosis and care pathways for people with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
Biomarkers | Qualitative | Care PathwayEndometriosis | pelvic pain 
-
To accomplish our vision - to reduce the societal impact of endometriosis by prevention, early diagnosis and patient centred treatment, we are building an extensive research program which seeks new understanding of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Our research priorities are:
Aetiology,
Diagnosis,
Treatment,
Connected effects of endometriosis
We collaborate with a variety of Epworth researchers and researchers from other institutions and hospitals to incorporate both clinical trials and scientific research into our program. At any one time, there may be multiple projects operating in association with the Centre (please visit our website to see the most up-to-date list of projects).
Menstrual health literacy | Menstrual education | Adolescents-
My Vital Cycles is a holistic ovulatory menstrual health literacy program based on a whole school approach. It was content validated through a Delphi panel of 35 experts in medicine and education. The program addressed dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding (particularly heavy menstrual bleeding), iron deficiency and mental wellbeing. Face validation was completed with 28 teenagers, 5 parents, 14 teachers and 6 school healthcare professionals. After further refinement, the program was then trialled in one single sex school and five co-educational schools. It demonstrated significant improvements in ovulatory menstrual health literacy. Invitations for future research and training of school staff are on the project website.