How obesity affects the endometrium and fertility in women

The impact and reversibility of obesity-induced molecular and functional alterations to the human endometrium

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11103860

This study is looking at how being overweight affects the lining of the uterus and how that might lead to issues like irregular periods and trouble getting pregnant, and it hopes to find out if losing weight can help improve these problems for women facing these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11103860 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of obesity on the endometrium, the tissue lining the uterus, and how these changes may impact women's reproductive health. It aims to understand the molecular and functional alterations caused by obesity, particularly focusing on menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and infertility. The study will utilize both human primary cells and mouse models to explore these effects and assess how weight loss may reverse any damage to the endometrium. By analyzing a diverse group of women with obesity-related reproductive issues, the research seeks to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between obesity and fertility.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who are experiencing infertility or menstrual irregularities associated with obesity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by obesity or those who do not have reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility treatments for women affected by obesity-related reproductive issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing obesity can improve reproductive health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.