The challenge

Pain associated with menstruation and conditions such as endometriosis is highly prevalent and can significantly affect quality of life, limiting participation in physical, educational and social activities. 

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Among adolescents, up to 90% report experiencing period pain, and around 20% miss out on activities as a result. In adulthood, around 25% of women are reported to experience chronic pelvic pain – defined as pain lasting more than six months. 

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While hormonal and other medications can provide relief for some, there remains a group of women whose pain is extremely difficult to manage. Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute are seeking to better understand why.

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The research

Researchers are investigating the role that inflammation may play in period and pelvic pain. By comparing inflammatory markers in women with and without pain across different stages of the menstrual cycle, the team hopes to identify the biological processes that drive period and pelvic pain. 

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Importantly, this type of exploration has successfully led to novel treatments for pain associated with migraines and sickle cell disease – by identifying the inflammatory marker that is driving the pain and then repurposing known drugs for new indications.

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The role of philanthropy

By supporting researchers to explore new approaches to understanding the biological drivers of period and pelvic pain, philanthropy is helping unlock the potential for more targeted treatment options for women whose symptoms remain difficult to manage.

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What this could unlock

Hearts & Minds funding, as nominated by Munro Partners, has enabled this research to commence. If this research succeeds in identifying the inflammatory processes driving pain, clinicians may one day be able to identify women who could benefit from targeted treatments much earlier in their care.

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The long-term goal is to offer women an alternative approach to managing period and pelvic pain, guided by a better understanding of the biological processes driving their symptoms.

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Funding support from Hearts & Minds, as nominated by Core Fund Manager, Munro Partners. This content was last updated in July 2026. For further information, visit Murdoch Children's Research Institute.