NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence

Official title: Emergence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during adolescence

Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11378637 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2025
Project endApril 30, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$638,119
NIH project number5R01HD117972-02
Project IDNIH-11378637 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are adolescents (12-20 years old) and young adults (21+ years) who may have or be at risk for PCOS.

Less likely to help

Teens without PCOS symptoms or risk factors may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can start in adolescence, but diagnosing it early is challenging because adolescence has overlapping features with normal puberty. The researchers at Cornell University will study ovarian markers and hormone signals in teens and young adults to see how PCOS progresses over time. They aim to create a clearer picture of the natural history of PCOS during adolescence and how it relates to reproductive and metabolic health. This work could lead to better diagnosis and management strategies for affected teens and young women.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier, more accurate diagnosis and better management of PCOS in teenagers and young adults.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest ovarian morphology and hormones can reflect PCOS severity similarly in adolescents as in adults, supporting the approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Cornell University
    Ithaca, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lujan, Marla E — Cornell University
  • Study coordinator: Lujan, Marla E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • 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.

    NIH research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · Hershey, United States · NIH-11167238

  • 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 if it can improve hormone levels and insulin response over three months.

    NIH research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · Hershey, United States · NIH-10475570

  • 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.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11623556

  • 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.

    NIH research Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, United States · NIH-11595517

  • 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.

    NIH research University of California-Irvine · Irvine, United States · NIH-11456298

  • 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.

    NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11402645

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.