Endocrinology
Reproductive Endocrine Unit Research
Explore This Research Program
Overview
The Reproductive Endocrine Unit studies the genetics and physiology of the reproductive system and of reproductive disorders that affect fertility and overall health. The goal of our work is to develop diagnostic and treatment approaches that ease the burden of patients and families affected by these disorders.
If you would like to learn more about our research program or have any questions about our studies, please email us at MGHReproEndoResearch@mgb.org.
Research Studies
The Genetics of Infertility
What is the goal of this research? We hope to learn more about what genes might contribute to infertility.
Who can participate? Individuals who have infertility of unknown cause.
What does participation involve?
- Blood draw, questionnaire
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Interested in participating? Follow this link https://redcap.link/infertility_genetics to find out if you are eligible.
Treatment Options for People with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (no menstrual periods) or Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
What is the goal of this research? To develop new treatments for reproductive disorders that result from having too little of certain hormones that are made by the brain.
Who can participate? Women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) (no menstrual periods) or isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), Men with IHH
What does participation involve?
- Medical history, physical exam, blood draw
- Hormone administration through a small wearable device for 2 weeks
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Interested in participating? Follow this link https://redcap.link/KASPR_info to find out if you are eligible.
Treatment Options for People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What is the goal of this research? To develop new treatments for PCOS.
Who can participate? Women with PCOS
What does participation involve?
- Medical history, physical exam, blood draw
- Overnight stay in the hospital with hormone administration and small amounts of blood drawn every 10-60 minutes for 36 hours
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Interested in participating? Follow this link https://redcap.link/drake to find out if you are eligible.
The following research studies enroll by invitation only. If you are interested in participating in our research, please review the studies above.
The Genetics of Rare Reproductive Disorders
What is the goal of this research? To learn more about how genes control puberty and the reproductive system.
Who can participate? Individuals who have certain rare reproductive conditions and their family members.
What does participation involve?
- Questionnaire, blood draw, smell test
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Connections Between Reproduction and Cranial Suture Fusion
What is the goal of this research? To learn more about genes that influence the reproductive system as well as facial and skull development.
Who can participate? Individuals who have participated in the Mass General Brigham Biobank and have certain genetic features.
What does participation involve?
- Medical history, physical exam, blood draw
- Glucose tolerance test, whole body x-ray, measurement of resting metabolic rate
Principal Investigator: Dr. Ravikumar Balasubramanian
Reproductive System Variability in the General Population
What is the goal of this research? To learn more about how the reproductive system varies from person to person, as related to their genetics.
Who can participate? Individuals who have participated in the Mass General Brigham Biobank and have certain genetic features.
What does participation involve?
- Medical history, physical exam, blood draw
- Small amounts of blood drawn every 10 minutes for several hours
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Physiology of Opioids and the Reproductive System
What is the goal of this research? To learn more about how naloxone (a medication that blocks the effect of opioids) influences the reproductive system.
Who can participate? Individuals who have participated in the Mass General Brigham Biobank and have certain genetic features.
What does participation involve?
- Medical history, physical exam, blood draw
- Small amounts of blood drawn every 10 minutes for several hours with or without administration of naloxone
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Characterizing Reproductive and General Health
What is the goal of this research? To learn more about the connection between each person’s reproductive system and their general health.
Who can participate? Individuals who participate in our other research studies.
What does participation involve?
- Questionnaire
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Seminara
Reproductive Endocrine Unit
Our faculty conduct a wide array of basic and clinical research activities in a variety of areas of reproductive biology, enhanced by our affiliations with Harvard Medical School and the Broad Institute.