This epidemiological research program identifies risk factors and addresses the presentation or onset of disease with the direct observation of women in their own environments. The program uses intense and ongoing longitudinal measurements to characterize exposures and quantify disease outcomes. Particular environmental exposures that are being studied include fluoride, calcium, and heavy metals.
Personal characteristics being evaluated are body composition and genetic markers.
Outcomes have included measures of functionality, arthritis, fractures, bone density and measures of bone turnover and markers for cardiovascular disease including blood pressure and lipids. The second aim is directed toward furthering our understanding of the normal physiological events associated with the development and maturation of women. This has been addressed by intensive research in the areas of lactation, the menopausal transition, and normal functionality. Typically, much of this research is based in an understanding the normal endocrinologic patterns in women as they increase in age and identification of those factors which influence these patterns. The following describes how this research program is supported by research funding.