How body fat affects hormonal cycles in women

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What is this trial?

This research study is trying to understand why some women develop irregular or absent menstrual periods or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers believe that the amount of body fat, where it's stored on the body, and how well it functions may play a key role in controlling reproductive hormones. By studying women with different patterns of body fat and different reproductive conditions, the team hopes to uncover new connections between fat tissue and hormone balance.

Currently, doctors don't fully understand why some women develop irregular periods from intense exercise while others with similar exercise patterns have normal cycles, or why some develop PCOS. If researchers can identify the specific ways body fat communicates with reproductive hormones, they may be able to develop better treatments and prevention strategies for these conditions.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with exercise-related loss of menstrual periods, polycystic ovary syndrome, or are a healthy woman with regular periods
you are between 18 and 40 years old (approximately)
you have a healthy body weight or are willing to participate regardless of current weight (depending on your group)
you exercise regularly or not at all, depending on which comparison group you join
you have not taken hormonal birth control or certain other medications for at least 6 months before joining

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently taking hormonal birth control, antidepressants, antipsychotics, or corticosteroids
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have been pregnant in the past 6 months
you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or kidney disease
you smoke cigarettes or drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day
you have celiac disease or other conditions that affect how your body absorbs nutrients

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will have blood drawn and samples of your fat and muscle tissue collected. You'll also complete physical measurements, answer questions about your exercise and diet, and may undergo tests to check your cardiovascular health and hormone levels. The study compares five different groups of women (those with irregular periods from exercise, those with PCOS with and without high androgens, women who exercise without problems, and healthy controls) to identify differences in how their bodies handle fat and hormones.

How body fat affects hormonal cycles in women

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)