Introduction
Identifying genes responsible for specific conditions affecting women's
health is one area of research that is being conducted within the Genetic
Epidemiology Group at QIMR.
The conditions of particular interest within the research program are:
Endometriosis
-
- In endometriosis,
extra-uterine endometrium-like tissue proliferates under the normal
hormonal stimuli and sloughs during menstruation, just as the normal
endometrium does.
- Endometriosis is associated
with marked morbidity from pelvic pain, menstrual disturbance and
possible fertility problems. Diagnosis is currently based on surgical
visualisation by laparoscopy.
- This study aims to
identify genes influencing endometriosis.
Age at
menopause
- Genes influence age
at first menstruation and other features of the menstrual cycle. Do
they influence the end of reproductive life?
- We have combined
information from over 2,000 pairs of female twins participating in 4
different surveys over 16 years. This data is being analysed to answer
questions about why women reach natural menopause at the age
they do.
Pre-eclampsia
in pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia (also
known as toxaemia) is a condition of high blood pressure that usually
occurs in the first pregnancy. Its cause is unknown. This study is
interested in various aspects of pre-eclampsia.
For further information about this study,
contact Ms Clare Redfern on (07) 3362-0248 or email her at: clareR@qimr.edu.au or speak to one of
our research staff on free call 1800-632 576
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