How climate and racial factors affect menstrual health

Climate factors, racial/ethnic disparities, and menstrual cycle health

NIH-funded research Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11009985

This study is looking at how things like climate and air pollution might affect your menstrual cycle and the risk of conditions like PCOS, especially for different racial and ethnic groups, to help understand how these factors impact reproductive health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard School of Public Health NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009985 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how environmental factors, particularly climate and air pollution, influence menstrual cycle health and the risk of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It aims to understand the hormonal disruptions caused by these factors and how they may vary across different racial and ethnic groups. By examining the menstrual cycle as a marker of reproductive health, the study will collect data on hormone levels and menstrual patterns in diverse populations. The findings could help identify at-risk groups and inform public health strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women of reproductive age, particularly those experiencing menstrual irregularities or diagnosed with PCOS.

Not a fit: Patients who are not of reproductive age or do not experience menstrual cycle issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of menstrual health issues, particularly for women affected by PCOS.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can impact reproductive health, suggesting that this study's approach is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.