GYNECOLOGY RESEARCH LABORATORY
Our goal is to identify the mechanisms that cause pelvic pain, including painful periods, and prevent the development of chronic pain.
what we do
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Period pain is the leading cause of school/work absence and foremost risk factor for chronic visceral pain in reproductive aged individuals.
Our goal is to identify the mechanisms that cause pelvic pain, including dysmenorrhea, and prevent the development of chronic pain.
Our research is essential because there are few other laboratories dedicated to eradicating dysmenorrhea, one of the most frequent causes of suffering and gender disparity worldwide.​
NSAID-HEAL
Targeting Interindividual Variability in NSAID Responses to Mitigate Chronic Pelvic Pain Risk in Dysmenorrhea
Who- Individuals ages 18-35 with regular menstrual cycles who have painful periods
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Why- This study explores whether NSAIDs, like naproxen sodium (Aleve), can not only relieve period pain now, but also reduce pain over time. These medications have been shown to be effective in helping people with menstrual and pelvic pain. However, the usage of these medications for menstrual pain has never been carefully studied over a full year at the recommended dose.
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When- Participation will take no more than 18 months.
Where- This study will involve both at-home participation and in-person visits at Evanston Hospital.
What- This study involves a12 month regimen that includes at-home hormone monitoring and taking a provided medication for several days during the participant's period. The provided study medication will be randomly assigned as either naproxen sodium (Aleve) or a placebo pill (also known as an inactive pill). In addition, participants will be asked to complete periodic virtual assessments and in-person visits to Evanston Hospital.
Compensation- Participants can receive up to $750 in compensation.
To participate, please click the link below to fill out our online prescreen.
You can also reach us at 847-570-2622 or at PelvicPainResearch@northshore.org.
STUDY HIGHLIGHT: MCUP
FIBROIDS & ENDOMETRIOSIS
Mechanistic Characterization of Uterine Pain (MCUP)
Who- Individuals ages 18-45 with regular menstrual cycles who either have painful periods and uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or those with none of the above to participate as healthy controls. You cannot have an IUD to participate in this study
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Why- We hope to study the physiological cause of menstrual pain and learn why a common over the counter NSAID may or may not help with cramping pain
Where- Department of Gynecology at Evanston Hospital, right off the Central stop on the CTA Purple line
What- This study is observing how MRI technology can be used to learn more about painful periods, and how naproxen (Aleve) can help people manage their menstrual pain. The study involves 3 in-person visits: A 2-hour screen visit which will include filling out questionnaires and sensory tests, and 2 separate 4.5-hour MRI visits during your period that include taking either naproxen or a placebo drug. Participants must abstain from taking painkillers 8-12 hours before each MRI visit.
Compensation- Up to $350-375 compensation is possible.
To participate, please click the link below to fill out our online prescreen.
You can also reach us at 847-570-2622 or at PelvicPainResearch@northshore.org.