Endometriosis and Uterine Leiomyoma Research Group

Our research group studies two common gynecological diseases. Endometriosis is a common but under-recognized disease affecting young females. Endometriosis causes severe chronic pain symptoms and therefore it has significant societal effects due to numerous contacts to health care services and regular sick-leaves. Our research aims to improve endometriosis awareness as well as develop the treatment of the disease itself.

Uterine leiomyomas (UL, also called myomas and fibroids) are benign lesions of uterine myometrial tissue. They are the most common tumours in females. ULs decrease the quality of life by causing significant morbidity such as heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, anaemia secondary to bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, reduced fertility and other pregnancy complications. mainstream medications focus on easing the symptoms rather than targeting the specific molecular disease mechanisms and thus not affecting the tumour growth rate. Therefore ULs are the primary indication for hysterectomy and globally, and in Finland, they contribute to one-third and up to half of all hysterectomies, which per se is major surgery eliminating chances for childbearing and has profound consequences for general health.

We focus on investigating metabolic traits and hypoxia response in UL development. Our interests also cover genetics of both endometriosis and UL.