The Whirledge lab seeks to discover the mechanisms by which stress regulates fertility. Glucocorticoids are primary stress hormones with potent immune-modulating functions. For this reason, stress and inflammation are intimately linked. The immune system plays an important role in all stages of pregnancy, including endometrial receptivity, implantation, and fetal tolerance. It is not currently well understood the pathways by which stress signaling impacts the ability to get pregnant or pregnancy outcomes. Her research is concentrated in three areas:
Endocrinology; Infertility, Female; Leiomyoma; Molecular Biology; Pregnancy Complications; Uterus; Reproductive Medicine; Endocrine Disruptors