The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), founded by Dr. Jerilynn C. Prior in May 2002, studies the physical and psychological causes and effects of menstrual cycle and ovulation disturbances on women’s overall health. CeMCOR publishes scientific results and also disseminates the information directly to women and to health care providers.
CeMCOR is an easily accessed information center supported by a Scientific Advisory Council of international researchers located in Australia, Hong Kong, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and across Canada. Comprised of nutritionists, gynecologists, sociologists, epidemiologists, psychologists and endocrinologists, the team brings a scientific yet woman-centred approach to women’s health.
“What’s unique about this group is that we’re putting social science and biology together in a novel focus on women’s cycles and ovulation,” says Dr. Prior. “The collaboration across disciplines is what makes the difference. CeMCOR is reframing scientific knowledge of the menstrual cycle and ovulation in a women-centered context.”
Researchers are documenting variations in the menstrual cycle and ovulation in the context of the lives of premenopausal women of all ages. They are analyzing the relationships of the menstrual cycle and ovulation changes with weight change, metabolism changes, eating attitudes, breast maturation, bone physiology, premenstrual experiences and changes in the physiology of exercise, respiration, cardiovascular function and breast density and nodularity.
A local Community Advisory Council is bringing community perspectives and energy in setting research and education priorities. These volunteer members will act as a reference group in the development and implementation of research and education projects.
The postulate that progesterone, as well as estrogen, is important contrasts with most studies that focus on estrogen and estrogen treatment. Studies commonly equate osteoporosis risk with menopause. However, bone loss begins during perimenopause, and peak bone mass probably reflects a woman’s history of ovulation (and hence progesterone exposure).
Dr. Jerilynn C. Prior is available to provide more background information and the specifics of the research that lead her to postulate that ovulation and progesterone hold the key for women’s health.
