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Reproductive and women's health


Our current research involves several projects focused on the relationship between female sex hormones and various health outcomes. Our research includes examining the connection between hormone exposure and migraine risk in women, considering factors like early menarche, childbirth, and oral contraceptive use. Assessment of the impact of hormone use on breast cancer risk in premenopausal women and investigating the association between reproductive factors, exogenous hormones, and pancreatic cancer incidence, as well as the effects of reproductive factors on melanoma risk in a representative sample of premenopausal women. These projects aim to enhance our understanding of how female sex hormones influence health outcomes in women.
Endogenous and exogenous hormone exposure and its relation to migraine in women

The aim of the project is to explore if there are any differences between women with and without migraine regarding endogenous and exogenous female sex hormone exposure, and to investigate if increased hormone exposure (early menarche, childbirth, and OC use) affects the risk of migraine. Further, to investigate if there is a co-incidence in cease in migraine and menopause, and how many women report to have “active migraine” (migraine within the last 12 months) after menopause. Also, to explore if age of menarche, surgically induced menopause and a typical premenopausal history of migraine (migraine without aura, use of oral contraceptives, parity) are independent predictors for a good postmenopausal course of migraine, and if there are any differences in patterns of HRT use in women with and without migraine. Lastly, to investigate if migraine with or without aura are independent risk factors of hormone-sensitive cancers (breast and ovarian) and death in women.

Female sex hormones and risk of subtypes of breast cancer 

The aim is to assess the effect of POC and COC use on hormone receptor-defined breast cancer risk in premenopausal women in a prospective population-based cohort – The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study. Link to publication.

Reproductive Factors, Use of Exogenous Hormones, and Pancreatic Cancer Incidence: The Norwegian Women and Cancer Studyr 

To investigate relationships between reproductive factors, exogenous hormones, and the rate of pancreatic cancer incidence in a large population-based prospective cohort of women in Norway. Link to publication.

Reproductive factors and risk of melanoma: a population-based cohort study

to assess the effect of POC and COC on hormone receptor-defined breast cancer risk in a representative sample of premenopausal Norwegian women. Link to publication.