Investigating early signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in young girls
Official title: Developmental Origins of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Very Early Phenotypes During the Mini Puberty of Infancy and Beyond
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-10815753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might start in young girls, especially those whose moms have it, by checking hormone changes during a special time in infancy called 'mini puberty' to find early signs that could show if they might develop PCOS later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108399-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young girls, particularly those under the age of two, who have mothers diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of PCOS or are older than two years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) develops in young girls, particularly those who have mothers with the condition. It examines the hormonal changes that occur during a critical developmental phase known as 'mini puberty' in infancy, which may reveal early reproductive traits linked to PCOS. By studying these early phenotypes, the research aims to identify potential markers that could indicate a higher risk of developing PCOS later in life. The approach includes careful monitoring of hormone levels and other biological indicators in infants at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for girls at risk of developing PCOS, potentially improving their long-term reproductive and metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: While research on PCOS is extensive, this specific focus on early developmental phenotypes during infancy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torchen, Laura C — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Torchen, Laura C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility
A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.
-
TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
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Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition
A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
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Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS
A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
-
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.
-
AI-powered ultrasound tool to help diagnose PCOS
A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to help doctors reliably identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-age women.
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.