The goal of the HERstudy project in the Alexander Lab is to understand why women with endometriosis are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease. We examine two interventions: one to target endometriosis symptoms and one to target long term heart disease risk. Our project has the potential to make an impact by identifying clinically relevant treatment options to decrease the cardiovascular disease burden in women with endometriosis. The specific aims of this study are:

1. To determine the effects of estrogen suppression on endothelial function in women with endometriosis.

2. To examine the effects of inflammation on vascular function in women with endometriosis.

3. To determine the effects of synthetic hormone treatments (selective estrogen receptor modulators) and cholesterol-lowering medications (simvastatins) on endothelial dysfunction in women with endometriosis.

We are currently seeking women with endometriosis who are interested in participating in this third aim.