WOMB study, version 1.0 (26/08/2015)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Womb Oxygen levels measured by Magnetic resonance imaging to assess impact on Bleeding (the WOMB study)
IRAS ID
114961
Contact name
Jacqueline A. Maybin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
15/NW/0741, North West-Liverpool East
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
What role does oxygen play in repair of the womb during a period and does it cause heavy bleeding?
The lining of the womb (endometrium) is shed monthly during a period. The mechanisms that stop bleeding and initiate endometrial repair are not well understood. We propose that endometrial blood vessels need to narrow during bleeding to minimise blood loss. This constriction leads to low oxygen levels, which we think triggers the repair necessary at the end of a period.
Women with heavy periods may have less narrowing of blood vessels during a period, meaning they lose more blood and have delayed repair of their endometrium. Heavy periods are common, debilitating and expensive. Better treatments are greatly needed but can’t be invented until we fully understand how the endometrium works in women with normal and heavy periods.
We will ask women attending gynaecology departments in NHS Lothian to complete a chart of their blood loss during a period to identify 15 women with heavy bleeding and 15 with normal bleeding. We can assess the blood flow through their endometrium by performing a specialised pelvic MRI scan during a period and at up to two other times of the month. At each scan we will take a blood sample to confirm the stage of their cycle. These scans will allow us to see (i) if there is decreased endometrial blood flow during a period compared to other times and (ii) if women with heavy bleeding have abnormally increased blood flow at this time compared to women with normal periods. We have obtained funding from Wellbeing of Women.
If we find that women with heavy periods have increased blood flow we may be able to correct this with non-hormonal medication.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
15/WS/0212
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion