Ebbie A. Stewart, M.D.

The aims of this study are to delineate expression of a novel REST-miRNA mediated tissue remodeling pathway in adenomyosis and define its function using novel experimental mouse models, and to delineate REST-miR-137-3p (A) and REST-miR-29b-3p (B) mediators and mechanisms relevant to adenomyosis pathophysiology.

Adenomyosis is a nonmalignant uterine disease characterized by endometrial stroma and glands found within the myometrium.1 Adenomyosis has been associated with heavy and painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, and reproductive dysfunction. However, now that imaging is identifying adenomyosis in younger and more varied women than those electing hysterectomy where pathological diagnosis occurred, many of our assumptions about the clinical disease are changing.

The purpose of this study is to search for the hereditary (genetic) causes of uterine fibroids. Some women with uterine fibroids may have one or more genes that make them more likely to develop uterine fibroids. We are trying to identify these genes to better understand how and why uterine fibroids develop and to design better treatment options for women with uterine fibroids. This information may also help us to understand and treat other problems that may be caused by these genes.

The Researchers hope to learn if by using lavender aromatherapy during an intrauterine insemination patients have decreased anxiety and pain at the time of the procedure.

The aim is the characterization of the microbiome of subjects experiencing benign reproductive tract disorders and its comparison to the microbiome present in individuals lacking that disorder.

The primary goal of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of two standard fibroid treatments: MRI guided ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) and uterine artery embolization (UAE). Both treatments are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women who do not plan to become pregnant.

A second goal of this study is to better understand which symptoms bother women with fibroids the most. Understanding and addressing the symptoms of clinically-significant uterine fibroids is important in order to optimize treatment outcomes and control health care costs.

Women who are eligible to participate in the study, are randomized to one of two treatment arms (UAE or MRgFUS). Women in both arms will receive treatment but will not be able to choose which treatment she will receive.

A comprehensive assessment of symptoms-including experienced pain- will take place at baseline, 6 weeks, and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months following treatment with UAE and MRgFUS.

This study will investigate the biology of uterine smooth muscle cells and particularly explore the commonalities it has with smooth muscle cells of the airway.

Adenomyosis is a rare non-malignant disease of the uterus that causes significant symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. The only widely accepted treatment for adenomyosis is hysterectomy. The investigators will use a dopamine agonist, bromocriptine, as a therapy based on animal models of the disease and our prior clinical research to observe any objective improvement in the extent of the disease using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)and standard measurements for other gynecologic diseases to measure symptomatology.