Examining how physical activity affects the risk of PCOS in young girls
Official title: Investigating the impact of physical activity in modulating PCOS risk among peripubertal females
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10988317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how physical activity can help girls aged 8 to 10 who are at risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by tracking their insulin and hormone levels while they try out a special exercise program to see if it can improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $193,167 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK131322-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are peripubertal girls aged 8 to 10 who are at risk for developing PCOS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 8 to 10 years or those not at risk for PCOS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of physical activity in reducing the risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among girls aged 8 to 10 who are at risk. It aims to track changes in insulin levels and androgen concentrations as these girls grow, while also testing a tailored physical activity program designed to improve their health outcomes. By using a combination of monitoring techniques and intervention strategies, the study seeks to determine the effectiveness and acceptance of these activities in preventing PCOS. The ultimate goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations for physical activity that can help mitigate the risk of developing PCOS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing PCOS in young girls, improving their long-term health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using physical activity as a preventive measure for various health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in PCOS prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whooten, Rachel — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Whooten, Rachel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genetically Validated PCOS Subtypes for Better Diagnosis and Risk Stratification
Aimed at women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this project uses genetic data and patient characteristics to define distinct PCOS subtypes and improve how we diagnose and estimate risk.
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Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence
This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
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Genetically guided PCOS subtypes to improve diagnosis and risk stratification
Aims to use genetic patterns to identify PCOS subtypes so doctors can diagnose it more precisely and tailor risk predictions for each patient.
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Using inositol to improve reproductive and metabolic health in women with PCOS
This study is looking at how taking inositol might help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by checking its effects on hormone levels and overall health over three months.
-
Understanding how dopamine affects reproductive hormone release in women with PCOS
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that control hormone release can help women with reproductive issues like PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea, and it’s testing if a compound that affects these cells can help balance hormone levels.
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Investigating how genetic variations in gonadotropin pathways affect PCOS
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to help find better treatments for women dealing with this condition.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.