Every month, millions of women experience changes in emotional wellbeing, cognition, and physical health related to hormonal fluctuations. Yet women’s health research remains underfunded, and many important questions remain unanswered.

HEAL-Women is an initiative of the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, aiming to better understand how hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life influence mental health, brain function, and quality of life. Over the coming years, we will conduct two major long-term studies focusing on:

• Premenstrual disorders (PMS and PMDD)
• Menopause and brain health.

Our research combines advanced methods, including EEG brain activity recordings, cognitive assessments, hormonal and biological measurements, microbiome research, and long-term health monitoring.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Hormonal transitions affect millions of women, yet many related conditions remain insufficiently understood.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is associated with significant emotional distress and increased suicide risk, but it is still frequently under-recognised.

During menopause, many women experience changes in sleep, memory, attention, and emotional wellbeing, yet the biological mechanisms behind these changes remain poorly understood.

Our goal is to contribute to earlier recognition, more personalised support, and better quality of life for women.

OUR RESEARCH

Premenstrual Disorders (PMS and PMDD)

We investigate the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying PMS and PMDD and aim to develop more effective approaches to support women experiencing these conditions.

MenoBrain: Menopause and Brain Health

We investigate how menopause and menopausal hormone therapy influence brain function, cognition, emotional wellbeing, the microbiome, and healthy ageing. Read more.

To ensure this research is as comprehensive as possible and provides the greatest benefit to women and society, we need additional support.

WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?

Existing funding supports the core research activities. However, additional support would allow us to:

• Include more women in our studies.
• Perform more advanced biological analyses.
• Apply cutting-edge research methods.
• Develop public education programmes.
• Prepare evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and society.

Your support will help us

• Improve women’s mental health diagnostics.
• Develop evidence-based personalised interventions.
• Advance menopause and PMDD research in Lithuania.
• Strengthen international scientific collaborations.
• Improve women’s quality of life.

Funds raised will be used for

• Biological and psychophysiological research.
• Laboratory analyses and biomarker studies.
• Participant consultations and educational activities.
• Development of evidence-based recommendations.
• Public education initiatives on women’s health.

We believe women’s health should no longer remain at the margins of scientific research.

Thank you for your support.

The HEAL-Women Team

You can also donate to the HEAL-Women via a bank transfer:

IBAN: LT86 7300 0102 0607 1225 (Swedbank)
Payment purpose: HEAL-Women
Recipient: Paramos fondas Vilniaus universiteto fondas (304222713)

In the case of support from a legal entity starting from 1,500 euros, a support agreement is signed. For contribution contracts over 100 thousand euros notarization is required. Vilnius University Foundation will take care of it. Contact us in a convenient way.