How air pollution affects women's reproductive health during their menstrual cycle and early pregnancy
Official title: Impacts of Acute Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Women's Reproductive Health: Identifying Mechanisms and Susceptible Reproductive Processes Across the Menstrual Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10829447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how short-term exposure to air pollution might affect women's reproductive health, especially during important times like their menstrual cycle and early pregnancy, to help understand any challenges it may cause for those trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | April 18, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $115,513 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10829447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are planning to conceive or are in the early stages of pregnancy, particularly those living in areas with varying levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not planning to conceive or are not in the reproductive age range may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of acute exposure to ambient air pollution on women's reproductive health, particularly during critical periods such as the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. By analyzing data from a previous study involving women trying to conceive, the researchers aim to identify how air pollution may alter inflammatory responses and lead to reproductive challenges. The study will utilize advanced air quality models to assess participants' exposure to various pollutants and their potential impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies to mitigate the negative effects of air pollution on women's reproductive health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown associations between air pollution and fertility, but this study aims to refine understanding of specific reproductive processes affected, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nobles, Carrie — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Nobles, Carrie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.