Kara McKinley studies the biology of menstruation. During menstruation, the uterine lining – the endometrium – is extensively damaged and then rapidly rebuilt, and these processes continue month after month for decades. The McKinley lab uses the natural destruction-construction cycles of the endometrium to understand and improve how our bodies heal from damage. In addition, a central goal of the lab is to improve care for the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who have endometrial diseases or menstrual experiences that interfere with their quality of life.