Understanding how dopamine affects reproductive hormone release in women with PCOS
Official title: Dopaminergic Regulation of KNDy Neurons: Implications for GnRH Pulses and PCOS
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11160997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,809 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD118655-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of childbearing age who are experiencing reproductive issues such as irregular menstrual cycles or symptoms of PCOS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have reproductive disorders or are not of childbearing age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the brain that regulate hormone release related to reproductive health, particularly focusing on conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic amenorrhea. The study aims to explore how dopamine influences these neurons and their ability to produce critical hormones. By using animal models, researchers will examine the effects of certain compounds that can activate these neurons and potentially restore normal hormone levels. This could lead to new treatments for women experiencing reproductive disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for women suffering from reproductive disorders like PCOS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive hormones, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Navarro, Victor Manuel — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Navarro, Victor Manuel
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Examining how physical activity affects the risk of PCOS in young girls
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.
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.