Methods for treating disorders of the female reproductive system

A method of treating a disorder of the female reproductive system in an individual the method comprising modulating the CD40-CD40L system in the said reproductive system. Typically, an agent is used which disrupts the CD40-CD40L system. Typically, the disorder of the female reproductive system is a menstrual dysfunction, preterm labour or endometriosis. A screening method for predisposition of an individual to a disorder of the female reproductive system, the method comprising obtaining a sample form the individual which contains CD40 and/or CD40L nucleic acid or protein and determining whether CD40 and/or CD40L nucleic acid or protein is present in an amount and/or concentration, or in a form, indicative of such predisposition.