Research funding awarded to heighten understanding of endometriosis

Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women worldwide yet, despite several advances in knowledge and a continuing rise in awareness, there is still no firm consensus on its cause or how it can be prevented.

Having received £30k funding and support from Wellbeing of Women, Dr Gael Morrow’s collaborative research will aim to discover a greater understanding of endometriosis and the role of the blood clotting pathways to heavy menstrual bleeding associated with the disease.

The pilot project is in partnership with University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian and will begin in April, lasting three years.

Dr Gael Morrow, Chancellor’s Fellow at RGU’s School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health, said: “Endometriosis affects one in ten women in the UK and the average time to diagnosis is over eight years after first experiencing symptoms. While there is an increasing awareness of the condition, it is still unknown what causes endometriosis.

“Having suffered from endometriosis myself and knowing several friends and family members who have also endured it, I know first-hand how the pain can affect day-to-day life. I hope our research will be another positive development in understanding the root cause of the condition and how it can be treated more effectively.”

The study will evaluate the role of blood clotting factors in endometriosis, using blood and endometrium tissue samples taken from patients who received a diagnosis of endometriosis following laparoscopic keyhole surgery.

Through this, the research team hope to greatly improve the understanding of the heavy menstrual bleeding that occurs which would in turn lead to the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis identification.

Positive research findings in this regard would rapidly improve diagnosis time, remove the requirement for invasive laparoscopic keyhole surgeries, and ultimately greatly improve the quality of life for patients with endometriosis.

Professor Andrew Horne, Director of the Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh and Trustee of Endometriosis UK, said: "This pioneering research has the potential to transform the way we understand and manage endometriosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide.

“By focusing on the link between blood clotting pathways and heavy menstrual bleeding, Dr Morrow is advancing crucial insights that could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment, offering hope for faster, less invasive solutions and improved quality of life for those affected."

Faye Farthing, Head of Communications, Endometriosis UK, added: “Endometriosis UK welcomes new research into endometriosis, which is vital for providing hope to those with the disease. We want to see more investment in research to find the cause of the disease, better management and treatment options, and ultimately a cure.”

Endometriosis Action Month occurs each March to raise awareness of the condition and its impact. This year, the theme is 'Endometriosis Explained', exploring both how endometriosis must be better understood by the general public and better explained to patients by all healthcare practitioners.

The funders, Wellbeing of Women, is a UK-based charity established in 1964. It has so far invested more than £75m in research across all areas of women’s reproductive and gynaecological health with its aim of saving and changing the lives of women, girls and babies.