The effect of reproductive hormone variation on human biochemistry and health (Dr Hannah Currant)
PROJECT TITLE
The effect of reproductive hormone variation on human biochemistry and health
SUPERVISORS
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Reproductive hormone levels of women vary cyclically across the menstrual cycle, as well as over time with reproductive maturation and ageing. Reproductive hormone levels may also be artificially changed through medication such as contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy. Reproductive hormones have been seen to have an impact on diverse areas of human health and biology, from immunology, to psychiatry to metabolism. However, hormone levels are often ignored when considering human health. An example of this is that menstrual stage or hormone levels are not noted when biochemical tests are conducted in common clinical investigations. By understanding how hormones impact biochemical tests, we may be able to identify better clinical guidelines - towards a personalised medicine approach - and understand how hormonal fluctuations impact human health more broadly.
This project aims to utlise longitudinal electronic healthcare data, including laboratory tests and prescription data, in the UK Biobank to understand the effect of reproductive hormone variation, both natural and artificial on human biochemistry. In this project you will: 1) Extract phenotypes from longitudinal health care records describing both natural and artificial hormone variation and biochemistry. 2) Identify associations between hormone variation and biochemistry, comparing individuals at different reproductive ages and with artificially stabilised reproductive hormone levels to infer hormone variation. 3) Endeavour to understand the biology underlying associations using additional multimodal data including genetics and rich phenotyping.
Together, this project looks to develop a more granular understanding of the impact of reproductive hormone variation on other aspects of human health towards a personalised medicine framework that does not neglect reproductive health elements.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
- Research training in longitudinal electronic healthcare record analysis, statistics, quantitative genetics and beyond
- Membership to journal clubs and research group meetings to understand current research landscape, cutting edge methodology and interdisciplinary applications
- Skills training in presentation, scientific writing, funding applications and scientific leadership
- Training plans will be developed holistically to benefit the scientific needs and interests, as well as the career goals of the individual.
Funding Information
The position is not currently funded and therefore the candidate will need to secure funding.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this research degree, please click here.