Investigating how FSH affects obesity and breast cancer after menopause

Role of FSH in postmenopausal obesity and breast cancer

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-11032020

This study is looking at how levels of a hormone called FSH, along with body fat, might affect the risk of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause, using information from a large health study.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032020 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), obesity, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It utilizes data from the Women's Health Initiative, which includes extensive health information and body composition measurements from thousands of participants. The study aims to determine if higher levels of FSH contribute to increased body fat and the risk of developing breast cancer, while also examining the role of adiposity in these associations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women, particularly those with concerns about obesity or breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are premenopausal or those without a history of obesity or breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how hormonal changes after menopause influence obesity and breast cancer risk, potentially guiding prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing evidence linking obesity and breast cancer, this specific investigation into the role of FSH is novel and has not been extensively studied in large human populations.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, 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.