Professor Hilary Critchley

Hilary Critchley is a clinical scientist. Her research programme for over 30 years has harnessed cross-disciplinary laboratory and clinical expertise to dissect the complex basic science of the uterine endometrium and translate this into clinical practice. Her group’s research agenda has focussed on improving the understanding and clinical management of gynaecological complaints with major impacts on women's quality of life, notably heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids and fertility control.  Fundamental studies on endometrial physiology have made major contributions to understanding of mechanisms regulating onset of menstruation and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and explored common processes in these reproductive events, including: tissue injury and repair, the regulation and role of local inflammatory mediators and local immune-endocrine interactions. Major contributions have been made to understanding the local endometrial response to withdrawal of progesterone, both physiological and pharmacological. Study of the local effects of pharmacological steroid receptor modulation in uterine tissues has informed development of novel treatment strategies for problematic uterine bleeding (including fibroids). Recent studies have included further development of models for studying menstruation and uterine/ endometrial bleeding. She has over 250 peer-reviewed publications