Dr. Jerilynn C. Prior and the UBC Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research are inviting regularly menstruating persons between the ages of 19-40 years to a 2-3 cycle study. We are interested in studying persons who have been diagnosed with Endometriosis (EndoM) and healthy, normally menstruating women+. We appreciate your interest in this unique new study, which will bring new insights into women’s health. Participants must be located in Metro Vancouver for the duration of the study.
For the first time ever, we will test Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) activity in persons diagnosed with endometriosis.
PURPOSES OF THE STUDY
The main goal of this research is to measure BAT activity in persons with EndoM and similar controls during the early part of the cycle (follicular phase) and following egg release (ovulation). We will determine whether BAT activity in persons with EndoM differs from healthy control women+ who are of similar age, weight and menstrual cycle characteristics.
WHO CAN BE PART OF THIS STUDY?
Persons diagnosed with Endometriosis (EndoM), between 19-40 years old, with Body Mass Index BMI of 18.5-28 range (BMI=weight/height2), having regular, month-apart cycles (21-35 days long), are NOT using hormones for contraception or treatment, except Kyleena (>60 days) & Mirena (≥5 years) IUD, an are NOT smoking or vaping. Participants with EndoM need to have had a diagnosis by a biopsy or been told that they have evidence from an ultrasound or MRI of the ovary (called endometrioma).
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
This study asks participants to come in person to the CeMCOR office (near Vancouver General Hospital) twice in three cycles for measurement of BAT activity and finger-prick blood tests. To be part of this new and novel study, we need you to complete some questionnaires, take your morning temperatures and keep the Menstrual Cycle Diary© for two cycles.
Participants will be thanked for their time and conscientious efforts by being given a $50 VISA gift card for each in-person visit (total 2). Finally, at the end of the study, we will give you a novel about perimenopause that Dr. Prior wrote and CeMCOR published (value ~$23.00) to help prepare you for what’s ahead. If you wish, we will also give you an appropriately sized menstrual cup (donated by DivaCup, value $40-50.00) so you can conveniently manage menstruation while decreasing the environmental risks and the costs of pads and tampons.
WHEN IS THE STUDY STARTING AND HOW LONG IS IT?
We will begin recruitment for the study in April 2024 and expect to keep enrolling participants until December 2025. We are hoping to have learned the main study results by the end of March 2026.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDY
Download the Participant Information Sheet or contact Dr. Nahid Shirazian via
Telephone: 604 875-5917 or Email: nahid.shirazian@ubc.ca
