Developmental Clinical Studies - Reversing endometrial glucocorticoid deficiency in heavy menstrual bleeding
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Abstract
Heavy periods are literally a monthly 'curse' for millions of women. Menstrual complaints have a broad negative impact on the lives of women - affecting their everyday activities, including work, family life and relationships. Menstrual problems can occur any time between 12 and 55 years of age, but heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is most common between 30 and 50 years of age, which is also the stage when women have numerous aspirations, roles and responsibilities, which would be severely curtailed by menstrual complaints. The regular impact of menstruation (about a quarter of a woman's life - 7 days out of 28) can lead to low mood, which can in turn impact further on quality of life and fulfilment of roles. For those in families with low income, the cost of sanitary protection for HMB can also be a recurring burden on the family budget.
A million women a year seek medical help for their condition, consuming considerable NHS resource, in terms of consultations with GPs (or attendances at hospital clinics) and tests and prescriptions. Unfortunately the treatments on offer are often ineffective and many women complain of unacceptable side effects. Although hysterectomy can solve the problem of heavy bleeding most women would rather avoid taking this 'irreversible' step which is not surprising as close to half of all babies born in the UK have mothers aged 30 or older . There is therefore an urgent requirement for development of novel, effective, medical treatments for heavy periods.
Our plan builds on previous research comparing the lining of the womb in women with and without heavy bleeding. This has provided compelling evidence that the activity of glucocorticoids in the endometrium of women with HMB is deficient..We believe this deficiency results in altered structure of the blood vessels of the womb, which could lead to increased menstrual bleeding.
We hope to demonstrate that a glucocorticoid (dexamethasone; Dex), already in common use for other conditions, will reverse the observed endometrial glucocorticoid deficiency, and hence be beneficial in women requesting treatment for HMB. Dex will be given to women in the second half of their menstrual cycle, in the week prior to their expected period (menses) and we expect Dex given over this time period will improve the ability of blood vessels in the endometrium to efficiently constrict when menses commences, and hence reduce menstrual bleeding. While this is a novel use of Dex, it is in wide-spread use eg .glucocorticoids are used to treat medical conditions in early pregnancy including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. A lot is already known about the side-effects that can occur with Dex and that they depend upon the duration of treatment as well as the dose. This leads us to expect that Dex will be unlikely to be cause problems during the short courses of treatment we plan to use in this study.
We hope this new medical treatment will benefit women of reproductive age suffering from heavy bleeding by reducing their blood loss improving their quality of life, allowing them to participate in family activities and avoid time off work. Our beneficiaries will thus be the women, their families and employers, and in terms of costs saved, society and the economy.
A million women a year seek medical help for their condition, consuming considerable NHS resource, in terms of consultations with GPs (or attendances at hospital clinics) and tests and prescriptions. Unfortunately the treatments on offer are often ineffective and many women complain of unacceptable side effects. Although hysterectomy can solve the problem of heavy bleeding most women would rather avoid taking this 'irreversible' step which is not surprising as close to half of all babies born in the UK have mothers aged 30 or older . There is therefore an urgent requirement for development of novel, effective, medical treatments for heavy periods.
Our plan builds on previous research comparing the lining of the womb in women with and without heavy bleeding. This has provided compelling evidence that the activity of glucocorticoids in the endometrium of women with HMB is deficient..We believe this deficiency results in altered structure of the blood vessels of the womb, which could lead to increased menstrual bleeding.
We hope to demonstrate that a glucocorticoid (dexamethasone; Dex), already in common use for other conditions, will reverse the observed endometrial glucocorticoid deficiency, and hence be beneficial in women requesting treatment for HMB. Dex will be given to women in the second half of their menstrual cycle, in the week prior to their expected period (menses) and we expect Dex given over this time period will improve the ability of blood vessels in the endometrium to efficiently constrict when menses commences, and hence reduce menstrual bleeding. While this is a novel use of Dex, it is in wide-spread use eg .glucocorticoids are used to treat medical conditions in early pregnancy including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. A lot is already known about the side-effects that can occur with Dex and that they depend upon the duration of treatment as well as the dose. This leads us to expect that Dex will be unlikely to be cause problems during the short courses of treatment we plan to use in this study.
We hope this new medical treatment will benefit women of reproductive age suffering from heavy bleeding by reducing their blood loss improving their quality of life, allowing them to participate in family activities and avoid time off work. Our beneficiaries will thus be the women, their families and employers, and in terms of costs saved, society and the economy.
Technical Summary
Treatment of menstrual bleeding complaints has a major impact on health care costs. The proposed studies will provide proof of concept of efficacy of the glucocorticoid Dex, together with pharmacodynamic data concerning optimal endometrial Dex concentrations required for efficacy in treatment of women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The data generated will justify further investment in a phase III trial and new intrauterine delivery systems.
A sequence of two studies is proposed with outcome in each being reduction in objectively measured menstrual blood loss (MBL). Study A is an initial open uncontrolled dose-ranging study to assess the effect of Dex on MBL and will explore a range of therapeutic doses. Study B is a follow-on phase II double blind crossover RCT, comparing Dex (at two doses, selected using findings of Study A) to placebo treatment.
Assessments to be used are: Patient Clinical History; Recruitment Questionnaire of HMB problem; MBL estimated from daily menstrual bleeding pictogram diaries and objective measurement of MBL measured in 'no treatment' baseline cycles and 2nd of a pair of cycles for each treatment/dose; Menstrual diary (allowing recording of medication consumption, adverse events); Questionnaire report of treatment effect. Endometrial response to luteal phase administration of Dex will be evaluated (including vascular morphology and differentiation) and endometrial Dex concentration assayed by (LCMS/MS). Ovarian function will be monitored by measurement of urinary sex steroid metabolites. Endometrial function will be assessed with DCE-MRI (dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging): images will be analysed using pharmacokinetic modelling techniques that monitor changes in uterine permeability kinetics and plasma volume fraction. MR Fluorine Spectroscopy will be used to measure dexamethasone concentrations in endometrium and this will be used simultaneously with MR blood flow measurements.
A sequence of two studies is proposed with outcome in each being reduction in objectively measured menstrual blood loss (MBL). Study A is an initial open uncontrolled dose-ranging study to assess the effect of Dex on MBL and will explore a range of therapeutic doses. Study B is a follow-on phase II double blind crossover RCT, comparing Dex (at two doses, selected using findings of Study A) to placebo treatment.
Assessments to be used are: Patient Clinical History; Recruitment Questionnaire of HMB problem; MBL estimated from daily menstrual bleeding pictogram diaries and objective measurement of MBL measured in 'no treatment' baseline cycles and 2nd of a pair of cycles for each treatment/dose; Menstrual diary (allowing recording of medication consumption, adverse events); Questionnaire report of treatment effect. Endometrial response to luteal phase administration of Dex will be evaluated (including vascular morphology and differentiation) and endometrial Dex concentration assayed by (LCMS/MS). Ovarian function will be monitored by measurement of urinary sex steroid metabolites. Endometrial function will be assessed with DCE-MRI (dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging): images will be analysed using pharmacokinetic modelling techniques that monitor changes in uterine permeability kinetics and plasma volume fraction. MR Fluorine Spectroscopy will be used to measure dexamethasone concentrations in endometrium and this will be used simultaneously with MR blood flow measurements.
Planned Impact
Strategic importance: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a chronic complaint that impacts on quality of life and well-being of a large proportion of reproductive age women, often over many years, and typically at a time when they should be at their most active/productive (30 to 49 years of age). There are shortcomings in the currently available medical therapies and surgical options are not always appropriate (eg as compromise fertility), involve risks, and are more costly. This research addresses an area of unmet clinical need and has the potential to translate to clear patient, family and societal benefits.
Our proposal fits with a number of MRC strategic objectives:
- Improve human health
- Promote translation of basic research discoveries into new/ improved healthcare
- Encourage commercial exploitation, for the benefit of the UK's health and economy
- Attract and train first-rate researchers (the study clinical research fellow)
Specifically, our proposal meets the MRC five year Strategic Plan (2009-2014), in particular with respect to Strategic Aims:
1: 'Picking Research that Delivers' - in respect of themes:
(i) 'Resilience, repair and replacement' by utilising knowledge about the biology of human tissue and by translating knowledge of tissue repair into new treatment strategies (healing of injured endometrium post-menstruation in HMB)
(ii) Mental health and wellbeing: seeking to improve wellbeing/mental health by ameliorating disease processes.
2. 'Living a long and healthy life - Life course perspective': by gathering an interdisciplinary team with aim of improving the health/ well-being of women in their reproductive years.
3. 'Research to people': in terms of 'Translation of research' ie aiming to bring the health impacts of fundamental research to people more quickly.
4. 'Supporting Scientists' - by contributing to 'Capacity' in terms of skilled research workforce/ research leaders.
Who benefits and how:
End users are women of reproductive age seeking treatment for HMB; many will desire to retain their uterus (and fertility). Beneficiaries will be the women, their families and employers, and in terms of costs saved, society and the economy.
Patients/ Patient families: There is a direct impact of menstrual symptoms and limitations on well-being and family/ social roles (often at a time when there may be additional responsibilities ,i.e. caring for/supporting young children and elderly relatives). Menstrual symptoms may also impact on career and earning potential, and hence well-being. Patients with HMB will benefit from the treatment, not solely in terms of amelioration of HMB, but also via improved quality of life, capacity to optimise their productivity in employment and to participate in family activities.
Employers: It is well known that there are impacts on industry and the UK economy not just through absenteeism (due to menstrual problems), but also in the case of 'presenteeism', when a woman with menstrual problems nevertheless presents herself for work, but performance /productivity is affected by her symptoms.
The NHS budget: Curtailing costs/ consultation rate at GPs and clinics.
Clinicians: Past research has identified that GPs regard menstrual complaints as difficult to manage due to the absence of effective medical treatments. Similarly community gynaecology clinicians would welcome an effective medical treatment.
Research Community: Our research will benefit research communities investigating mechanisms involved with menstruation/menstrual bleeding problems. In addition the data generated on glucocorticoid modulation of vascular development will benefit researchers in the wider fields of vascular and inflammation biology, and MR imaging technologies.
Industry: Data generated from our proposal, along with our extensive expertise/ know-how in women's health and HMB will be crucial for our aim to partner with a third party pharmaceutical company to move to commercialisation
Our proposal fits with a number of MRC strategic objectives:
- Improve human health
- Promote translation of basic research discoveries into new/ improved healthcare
- Encourage commercial exploitation, for the benefit of the UK's health and economy
- Attract and train first-rate researchers (the study clinical research fellow)
Specifically, our proposal meets the MRC five year Strategic Plan (2009-2014), in particular with respect to Strategic Aims:
1: 'Picking Research that Delivers' - in respect of themes:
(i) 'Resilience, repair and replacement' by utilising knowledge about the biology of human tissue and by translating knowledge of tissue repair into new treatment strategies (healing of injured endometrium post-menstruation in HMB)
(ii) Mental health and wellbeing: seeking to improve wellbeing/mental health by ameliorating disease processes.
2. 'Living a long and healthy life - Life course perspective': by gathering an interdisciplinary team with aim of improving the health/ well-being of women in their reproductive years.
3. 'Research to people': in terms of 'Translation of research' ie aiming to bring the health impacts of fundamental research to people more quickly.
4. 'Supporting Scientists' - by contributing to 'Capacity' in terms of skilled research workforce/ research leaders.
Who benefits and how:
End users are women of reproductive age seeking treatment for HMB; many will desire to retain their uterus (and fertility). Beneficiaries will be the women, their families and employers, and in terms of costs saved, society and the economy.
Patients/ Patient families: There is a direct impact of menstrual symptoms and limitations on well-being and family/ social roles (often at a time when there may be additional responsibilities ,i.e. caring for/supporting young children and elderly relatives). Menstrual symptoms may also impact on career and earning potential, and hence well-being. Patients with HMB will benefit from the treatment, not solely in terms of amelioration of HMB, but also via improved quality of life, capacity to optimise their productivity in employment and to participate in family activities.
Employers: It is well known that there are impacts on industry and the UK economy not just through absenteeism (due to menstrual problems), but also in the case of 'presenteeism', when a woman with menstrual problems nevertheless presents herself for work, but performance /productivity is affected by her symptoms.
The NHS budget: Curtailing costs/ consultation rate at GPs and clinics.
Clinicians: Past research has identified that GPs regard menstrual complaints as difficult to manage due to the absence of effective medical treatments. Similarly community gynaecology clinicians would welcome an effective medical treatment.
Research Community: Our research will benefit research communities investigating mechanisms involved with menstruation/menstrual bleeding problems. In addition the data generated on glucocorticoid modulation of vascular development will benefit researchers in the wider fields of vascular and inflammation biology, and MR imaging technologies.
Industry: Data generated from our proposal, along with our extensive expertise/ know-how in women's health and HMB will be crucial for our aim to partner with a third party pharmaceutical company to move to commercialisation
Publications
Zou X
(2018)
11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 deficiency or inhibition enhances hepatic myofibroblast activation in murine liver fibrosis.
in Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
Young S
(2018)
Androgens and endometrium: new lessons from the corpus luteum via the adrenal cortex?
in Fertility and Sterility
Wilson K
(2017)
Detecting drug-target binding in cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting coupled with mass spectrometry analysis.
in Methods and applications in fluorescence
Whitaker L
(2016)
Abnormal uterine bleeding.
in Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology
Whitaker L
(2017)
Selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) ulipristal acetate (UPA) and its effects on the human endometrium
in Human Reproduction
Vannuccini S
(2016)
Infertility and reproductive disorders: impact of hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms on pregnancy outcome.
in Human reproduction update
Smith JL
(2016)
Sex differences in the relationship between heavy alcohol use, inhibition and performance monitoring: Disconnect between behavioural and brain functional measures.
in Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging
Reavey JJ
(2021)
Obesity is associated with heavy menstruation that may be due to delayed endometrial repair.
in The Journal of endocrinology
Description | Academy of Medical Sciences' response to the DHSC's Women's Health Strategy Call for Evidence June 2021 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
URL | https://acmedsci.ac.uk/file-download/22836484 |
Description | Industry advisory committee (Bayer Schering Pharma AG) |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Invited participant - • Hologic UK (innovative medical technology company) Event: 'The right patients, the right setting, the right clinicians - Improving patient pathways for heavy menstrual bleeding'. Invited speaker for Hologic roundtable: Improving patient pathways for heavy menstrual bleeding 28 June. Jubilee Room, Westminster Hall Parliament. |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://www.hologic.co.uk/app/uploads/2022/11/WP-00242-GBR-EN_002_01.pdf |
Description | Launch of Advice Paper on Women, Work and Care at Royal Society of Edinburgh |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | Scottish Government: • Member Women's Health Group: Menopause and Menstrual Health & Endometriosis Sub Group (2020-2021) |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://www.gov.scot/publications/womens-health-plan/pages/11/ |
Description | Westminster Government Select Committee on Women's Health NOV 2023; invited witness to give oral evidence on behalf of the Academy of Medical Sciences |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/work/7865/womens-reproductive-health/ |
Description | BBSRC Research Grant |
Amount | £695,988 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S002995/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2021 |
Title | Development of a Bayesian response-adaptive dose-finding study |
Description | Utilisation of an integrated approach to the development of a Bayesian response-adaptive dose-finding study using SAS and WinBUGS. Data presented at 2013 Clinical Trials Methodology Conference, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 18-19 November.in the Adaptive Designs session. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - human |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This integrated approach to develop a Bayesian response-adaptive dose-finding study will now inform protocol development for clinical trials |
Title | Endometrial tissue resource after exposure to exogenous oral low dose glucocorticoid |
Description | Endometrial tissue resource after exposure to exogenous oral low dose glucocorticoid |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Opportunity to work cross- discipline (endocrinology & gynaecology) |
Title | Human Female Reproductive Tract Tissue Resource |
Description | Archive and prospective tissue resource with & tissue bank approval; |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Year Produced | 2006 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Multiple collaborations: local, some international and with industry Tissue bank approval (since 2011) for this resource |
Title | Phamacokinetic models to describe dynamic-MRI data in the human uterus |
Description | We have developed robust imaging and analysis protocols for acquisition of MRI data of the endometrium and myometrium using our dedicated 3T research MRI system based at the University of Edinburgh Clinical Research Imaging Centre. We have optimised phamacokinetic models to describe dynamic-MRI data acquired during the administration of a standard clinical MRI contrast agent. These models allows us to model flow and permeability in the various compartments of the uterus. In particular we have demonstrated that we have the temporal resolution required to dynamically model vascular supply to the endometrium and myometrium and the spatial resolution to readily identify both of these structures. |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | These models allow us to model flow and permeability in the various compartments of the uterus. |
Title | Human female reproductive tract tissue resource |
Description | Human female reproductive tract tissue resource -- archival tissue resource (endometrium) = well-characterised/ phenotyped |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | valuable human female reproductive tract tissue resource -- archival tissue resource (endometrium) = well-characterised/ phenotyped |
Description | FIGO Committee for Menstrual Disorders and Related Health Impacts |
Organisation | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Current Chair FIGO Committee for Menstrual Disorders and Related Health Impacts 2021-2023 (previously Co-Chair with colleagues from USA and Australia). |
Collaborator Contribution | Established a FIGO endorsed classification for abnormal uterine bleeding. Within this classification is a sub-classification "Endometrium" molecular and cellular causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and studies arising from this MRC funding have helped inform endometrial biology in this area. Also within this classification is a sub-classification for fibroids |
Impact | Publications: PMID: 35984284 PMID 30198563 PMID: 21345435 PMID: 36303670 PMID 22068978 PMID 22065329 PMID 22065324 |
Description | International collaborations - Prof Linda Griffith & Prof Doug Lauffenberger at MITBE (Bioengineering) Centre for Gynepathological Research (CGR) Cambridge, MA, USA |
Organisation | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | International collaborations - Prof Linda Griffith & Prof Doug Lauffenberger at MITBE (Bioengineering) Centre for Gynepathological Research (CGR) Cambridge, MA, USA https://cgr.mit.edu/people/linda-g-griffith/ Collaboration with development of microphysiological systems for studies relating to Gynepathological research - menstruation/ abnormal uterine bleeding/ heavy menstrual bleeding |
Collaborator Contribution | expertise in development of microphysiological systems and systems biology |
Impact | ongoing manuscript preparation |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Our study was supported by the Scottish Primary Care Research Network (SPCRN) |
Organisation | Scottish School of Primary Care |
Department | Scottish Primary Care Research Network (SPCRN) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We work with Scottish Primary Care Research Network (SPCRN) and Clinical Research Network (CRN) to help identify potential study recruits thereby raising awareness amongst GP colleagues of opportunity for their patients with menstrual complaints to consider study participation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Engagement with this network [Scottish Primary Care Research Network (SPCRN) and Clinical Research Network (CRN) is helping to identify potential study recruits and raising awareness amongst GP colleagues of opportunity for their patients with menstrual complaints to consider study participation. |
Impact | multidisciplinary: general practice and gynaecology |
Start Year | 2016 |
Title | DexFEM |
Description | Exploration of first-in-woman use of a short oral course of low-dose dexamethasone to rescue local endometrial glucocorticoid deficiency in women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) |
Type | Therapeutic Intervention - Drug |
Current Stage Of Development | Early clinical assessment |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2013 |
Development Status | Actively seeking support |
Clinical Trial? | Yes |
Impact | Recruitment completed; Study analyses in progress and manuscript in preparation |
URL | https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01769820 |
Description | "The Anne McLaren SRF Distinguished Scientist Lecture" at Fertility 2021:14th joint conference of the UK Fertility Societies (Society of Reproduction and Fertility (SRF), Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) and British Fertility Society (BFS), Liverpool, UK; January 2021. Invited virtual speaker: Barriers and breakthroughs - tackling taboo and the mysteries of menstruation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | "The Anne McLaren SRF Distinguished Scientist Lecture" at Fertility 2021:14th joint conference of the UK Fertility Societies (Society of Reproduction and Fertility (SRF), Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) and British Fertility Society (BFS), Liverpool, UK; January 2021. Invited virtual speaker: Barriers and breakthroughs - tackling taboo and the mysteries of menstruation Major annual meeting for practitioners & Students & patient interest groups |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://srf-reproduction.org/events/fertility/#:~:text=Fertility%202021,%20the%20joint%20annual%20co... |
Description | 2020 FIGO Rwanda, Kagali Congress, 14th December 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 2020 FIGO Rwanda, Kagali Congress, 14th December 2020: Virtual contribution. A 21st Century Challenge: Diagnosing and managing abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). (181 attendees). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | 2021: Period Dignity Scotland - 28th January 2021 - Virtual Conference: contribution in Period Cabaret: Periods and Biology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 2021: Period Dignity Scotland - 28th January 2021 - Virtual Conference: contribution in Period Cabaret: Periods and Biology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | 23rd Biennial Conference of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research Traversing the Ridge: Connecting Menstrual Research and Advocacy. Contribution: Menstrual Problem Research: Is There a Problem? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Audience comprised a mix of menstrual activists, researchers, policy-makers, clinicians (GP, gynaecology), public health professionals (working internationally), sports scientists, bloggers, menstrual entrpeneurs etc Menstruation/ Menstrual Disorders is a taboo area for many women/ societies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | ESRC Festival of Social Science event: "The Price of Periods: Prisons, Poverty, Politics". Invited speaker and chair |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | ESRC Festival of Social Science event: "The Price of Periods: Prisons, Poverty, Politics". Invited speaker and chair of the session for under-recognised and under-reported aspects of menstrual bleeding disorders worldwide. 21 November 2021. Delivered virtually. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-price-of-periods-prisons-poverty-politics-tickets-166928657107?ke... |
Description | Invitation to give evidence to Westminster Government Select Committee on Women's Health 29 November 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Westminster Government Select Committee on Women's Health November 2023 Invited expert representing the UK Academy of Medical Sciences Direct questions about research funding in this area of health |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/work/7865/womens-reproductive-health/ |
Description | Invited Research Seminar 22nd Feb 2024 at MITBE/Centre for Gynepathological Research (CGR), MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Research Seminar with wider context - research/ clinical care / policy implications "Menstruation: a wound with wonders and woes" attended - as also webinar - 84 participants on line / over 30 in person on site |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://be.mit.edu/news-events/events/menstruation-wound-wonders-and-woes |
Description | Invited speaker - Endometriosis Information Day, Edinburgh |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave talk "Cracking the enigma of adenomyosis" at Endometriosis UK event - Endometriosis Information Day. 60 members of public attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Kempers Lecture (Invited) and Visiting Professor to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Kempers Lecture (Invited) and Visiting Professor to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA provided opportunity to enhance and build upon research collaboration |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Menstruation and Society - NIH:Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Meeting 20-21 September 2018, Bethesda, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker and discussant at meeting which highlighted promising new discoveries and avenues of research on menstruation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/meetings/2018/092018 |
Description | Public Talk (2014) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | MRC Centre for Reproductive Health Public Talk, Edinburgh 19 February 2014. Invited speaker: Blood Vessel Route to Solving Problem Periods. Audience mainly school pupils and the public. Audience mainly school pupils and the public and event received positive feedback. Discussion with school pupils and general public about impact of research on important women's health clinical complaints. Interest expressed in work experience at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by one member of audience who subsequently obtained one week work experience placement June 2014. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | RCOG Annual Academic Meeting, 25-26 February 2021. RCOG Annual Academic Award Prize Lecture Invited virtual speaker: Unravelling Menstruation: a Wound with Wonders and Woes. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | RCOG Annual Academic Meeting, 25-26 February 2021. RCOG Annual Academic Award Prize Lecture Invited virtual speaker: Unravelling Menstruation: a Wound with Wonders and Woes. RCOG Academic Meeting is the national meeting for career clinical academics in training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: an important capacity building event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/courses-exams-and-events/postgraduate-and-scientific-... |
Description | RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TRANSMISSION OF HUMAN LIFE; Berlin, Germany 19 21 January 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Involvement as a speaker and participant in this international forum; post meeting feedback from attendees -- enhanced knowledge to attendees; commitment to change in clinical practice as a consequence of knowledge shared throughout meeting |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Radio interview BBC Scotland's Brainwaves February 2020: Talking taboo by getting personal about periods |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | "Held at the Royal Society in Edinburgh, in this Brainwaves Pennie Latin brings together Professor Hilary Critchley and a group of students and staff from the University of Edinburgh to hear about Hilary's research and share stories about this rarely discussion topic which unites us all" Topic addressed: menstruation/ periods/ period problems |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000f012 |
Description | Radio interview BBC Scotland's Newsdrive |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed by BBC Scotland Newsdrive programme on subject of studies on helping women with heavy menstrual bleeding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | The Scotsman recently covered this new initiative and also featured a summary of CRH's Professor Critchley's very popular "Tackling taboo: menstrual misery" open discussion, which was part of the Tea and Just Talk series. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Scotsman recently covered this new initiative and also featured a summary of CRH's Professor Critchley's very popular "Tackling taboo: menstrual misery" open discussion, which was part of the Tea and Just Talk series. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Women Political Leaders Annual Forum "Leaders Talk", Reykjavik, Iceland 10 November 2020 Invited speaker: Why we need to talk more about periods? Online presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Women Political Leaders Annual Forum "Leaders Talk", Reykjavik, Iceland 10 November 2020 Invited speaker: Why we need to talk more about periods? Online presentation .... to generate discussion about a "taboo" topic with underreported and under recognised impact on women across the globe notable of heavy periods and anaemia. Virtual participant: In Forum: 11.00 - 12.30 DRIVING EQUALITY FOR A HEALTHY SOCIETY |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | contributed expert commentary on menstrual health problems, and spoke about the ways in which research is paving the way for new treatments and solutions |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Professor Hilary Critchley and Dr Varsha Jain contributed expert commentary on menstrual health problems, and spoke about the ways in which research is paving the way for new treatments and solutions, in this Sunday Times article (published 01.11.20): https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-time-to-talk-about-periods-x0x3xngd0 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-time-to-talk-about-periods-x0x3xngd0 |
Description | media article on menstruation (Why Menstruation Remains a Medical Mystery: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/why-menstruation-remains-medical-mystery-215459035.html) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | media interest in article (peer-reviewed - review type article highlighting research contributions) on menstruation: Live Science.com https://uk.news.yahoo.com/why-menstruation-remains-medical-mystery-215459035.html |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://uk.news.yahoo.com/why-menstruation-remains-medical-mystery-215459035.html |