Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) is directed by Dr. Nanette Santoro. Along with a team of 7 highly respected clinicians, 4 internationally recognized research scientists, and 6 postgraduate trainees, a series of exciting programs provide care to patients with disorders of the reproductive system and perform research designed to shed light on newer and better diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disorders.

There are currently 16 novel, funded research initiatives within the Division. Dr. Santoro is an NIH funded clinical investigator. She and Dr. Ruth Freeman are co-investigators on exciting NIH-funded projects and both collaborate with industry sponsors to bring the newest technological advances to the clinic, providing our patients with the latest treatments that can be offered. Basic scientists within the Division include Dr. Jeffrey Pollard, who investigates basic uterine and breast physiology; Dr. Paula Cohen (with clinical collaboration from Dr. Staci Pollack), who is studying the ability of mutations in key reproductive genes to result in infertility in males and females; Dr. Anne Etgen, who is studying neurobehavioral effects of female reproductive hormones in animal models; and Dr. Maureen Charron, who studies glucose transport in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a common reproductive disorder.

Current research projects include:

• Factors influencing the onset of normal and abnormal menstrual cycling in pubertal girls
• Control of the central nervous system production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
• Genetic control of granulosa cell function in the ovary
• Detection of birth defects prior to implantation
• The role of estrogen and progesterone in the maintenance of pregnancy in women
• Action of medications that correct the metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
• Novel hormonal treatment medications and regimens for peri and postmenopausal women
• Mechanisms for premature menopause in animal models
• Mechanisms for failure of spermatogenesis in animal models
• Studies on the failure of ovulation and mechanisms of bleeding in perimenopausal women
• Bone density abnormalities in women with reproductive disorders
• Obesity prevention and treatment
• Prevention of the reproductive toxicity that occurs with many cancer therapies