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.
This page is a work in progress. For it to be functional for network members, we need your input and feedback. Below, you will find examples of what we think these research profiles may look like, but this will be adjusted as necessary to accommodate the needs of our members. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page so we can add your information to this page!
We also have a page dedicated to active study recruitment.
tracking apps - qualitative - digital data-
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.
Ovarian 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.
Neuroendocrinology - pcos - infertility-
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