Understanding Vaginal Health Changes in Menopause and New Ways to Help
Methods to Test the Role of Age-related Lifestyle and Vaginal Microenvironment Changes and the Prevention, Treatment, and Progression of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
This project explores how changes in lifestyle and the vaginal environment during menopause contribute to symptoms like dryness and discomfort, aiming to find better ways to prevent and treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866500 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many women experience genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness and discomfort due to lower estrogen levels. Current treatments have limitations, and some women cannot use hormonal therapy or worry about side effects. This project looks closely at the vaginal environment, including the types of bacteria present, to understand how these changes contribute to GSM. By understanding the complex interactions between bacteria, body chemistry, and immune responses, we hope to discover new and more effective ways to manage these common symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, or reduced sexual desire.
Not a fit: Patients who are not postmenopausal or do not experience genitourinary symptoms related to menopause may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective, and safer treatments or prevention strategies for the uncomfortable symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
How similar studies have performed: While current treatments have limitations, previous work suggests that understanding the vaginal microbiome is a promising area for developing new approaches to women's health.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shardell, Michelle Denise — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Shardell, Michelle Denise
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 below.