Understanding the causes of pain in endometriosis
Official title: Peripheral and central mechanisms of endometriosis pain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11136788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why women with endometriosis experience pain and aims to find out how different factors, like hormones, affect that pain, so if you're a woman dealing with pelvic pain, whether or not you have endometriosis, you can help us learn more by sharing your experiences before and after a small surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115568-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, particularly those diagnosed with endometriosis or undergoing surgery for its treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience pelvic pain or have conditions unrelated to endometriosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind pain experienced by women with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. The study will analyze both central and peripheral factors that may contribute to pain, including hormonal influences and pain modulation responses. Women with pelvic pain, whether or not they have endometriosis, will undergo assessments before and after laparoscopic surgery to evaluate changes in their pain levels. The goal is to identify specific biological markers that could predict pain severity and response to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for women suffering from endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding pain mechanisms in endometriosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nahman-Averbuch, Hadas — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Nahman-Averbuch, Hadas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
-
Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.