Mechanistic Characterization of Uterine Pain to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment for Dysmenorrhea (M-CUP)
Aims: The purpose of this research is to discover the causes of menstrual pain. Additionally, we will study why a common over-the-counter NSAID helps or may not help with cramping pain.
Diagnosis: Women ages 18-45 who have primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods), endometriosis, or fibroids, and healthy controls with none of the aforementioned conditions
Principal Investigator: Kevin Hellman, PhD
Co-Investigator(s): Frank Tu, MD, MPH
IRB Approval Number: EH19-040
Sponsor: NIH
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or pelvicpainresearch@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: Yes
Examining the Role of Improved NSAID Management in Treating Dysmenorrhea (NSAID)
Aims: The goal of this study is to see if optimized use of naproxen for treatment of dysmenorrhea will improve pain report from baseline. In addition, we will determine whether cross-organ influences from the uterus on bladder sensitivity changes from baseline after reduced menstrual pain experience.
Diagnosis: Women ages 18-45 who have primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Principal Investigator: Frank Tu, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator(s): Kevin Hellman, PhD
IRB Approval Number: EH18-128
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or pelvicpainresearch@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: No
Early Menstrual Pain Impact on Multisensory Hypersensitivity (EMPATHY)
Aims: The purpose of this study is to learn more about how menstrual pain affects pain sensitivity development, including at bladder and muscle sites, in girls pre-menarche and for 2 years following menarche.
Diagnosis: Healthy girls ages 10-14 who have not had their first period yet
Principal Investigator: Frank Tu, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator(s): Kevin Hellman, PhD
IRB Approval Number: EH17-338
Sponsor: NIH
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or thegyrl@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: Yes
Noninvasive Imaging of Uterine Physiology to Improve Treatment for Dysmenorrhea
Aims: This study uses different MRI imaging methods to look at a woman's uterus to determine what may or may not be causing pain during menses.
Diagnosis: Women ages 18-45 with painful periods or chronic pelvic pain, and healthy controls
Principal Investigator: Kevin Hellman, PhD
Co-Investigator(s): Frank Tu, MD, MPH
IRB Approval Number: EH16-263
Sponsor: NIH
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or pelvicpainresearch@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: No
Interstitial Cystitis: Examination of the Central Autonomic Network (ICECAN)
Aims: The purpose of this study is to look at how brain circuits and the autonomic nervous system influence pain responses in women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.
Diagnosis: Women ages 18-80 with bladder pain (IC/BPS) or myofascial pelvic pain (MPP), and healthy controls free of any pelvic pain
Principal Investigator: Frank Tu, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator(s): Kevin Hellman, PhD
IRB Approval Number: EH15-029
Sponsor: NIH
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or pelvicpainresearch@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: Yes
Deciphering the Hormonal and Nociceptive Mechanisms Underlying Bladder Pain (CRAMPP)
Aims: The purpose of this study is to understand how the menstrual cycle and hormones affect a woman's level of pain sensitivity.
Diagnosis: Women ages 18-45 with painful periods (dysmenorrhea), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), or chronic pain, and healthy controls who do not have any of the aforementioned conditions
Principal Investigator: Frank Tu, MD, MPH
Co-Investigator(s): Kevin Hellman, PhD
IRB Approval Number: EH13-094
Sponsor: NIH
Contact: Interested patients should contact 847.570.2622 or pelvicpainresearch@northshore.org
Open to Enrollment: No