As the name already indicates, MRI was established out of a strong desire to improve menopausal health care. This cannot be achieved without an ongoing clinical research program. MRI-Research, as our research arm is called, will build on the impeccable reputation of our research history in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. After all, menopause represents only a continuum of hormonal processes which, before that, have been essential to reproductive success.

MRI-Research functions on two distinct levels: First, there are obvious research projects which can only be performed in highly specialized settings. Such projects are designed and conducted exclusively at MRI. One example is, for example, a recent project in which we investigated the adrenal function of women with prematurely aging ovaries under the assumption that the adrenals may be involved in early menopause. This study require the performance of so-called ACTH-stimulation tests, which are not routinely available in general gynecological practices.

Such studies, however, represent only a small minority of menopausal studies. Indeed, especially pharmacological menopausal studies, often require large patient numbers which, by definition, call for the collaboration of large numbers of medical practices. One of the principle purposes for the creation of MRI was, therefore, the establishment of a network of gynecological practices which, in a large collaborative effort, can assume responsibility for clinical studies of women in menopause and can really make a difference.

Since such studies frequently are funded by federal agencies and/or the pharmaceutical industry, they not only represent an opportunity for the general gynecology community to participate in groundbreaking, and important, clinical research, but also may offer a significant source for added income to the general practitioner.

If you are a physician with special interest in the menopause, and if you would like to join our MRI-Research network of gynecologists, please contact us at our e-mail address MRI@menopausemd.com.

If you are a patient in menopause, who wishes to participate in menopause research, please contact us, as well, at MRI@menopausemd.com.

All research, conducted at MRI, has been approved by an institutional review board (IRB) and is subject to ongoing review.