Ovarian Morphology in Girls
AmenorrheaOligomenorrhea1 moreEstablishment of regular menstrual cycles is a key component of reproductive maturation and a recognized vital sign for health and well-being. Irregular menstrual cycles are especially common for the first 2-3 years after an adolescent's first menstrual period (i.e., menarche), which delays the identification and diagnosis of early reproductive disturbances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this research study is to determine whether the ovary can serve as a reliable predictor of normal or abnormal development by following the trajectory of ovarian morphology in conjunction with menstrual cyclicity using 3D transabdominal ultrasound imaging in a prospective cohort study of adolescents. A secondary objective is to identify potential environmental factors such as diet and the gut microbiome which influence the trajectory towards normal or abnormal reproductive development.
Prevalence of Hyperandrogenism in Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 DiabetesPolycystic Ovary Syndrome4 moreThe investigators aim to estimate the prevalence of functional ovarian hyperandrogenism [idiopathic hyperandrogenism, idiopatic hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)] in adult patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in an observational cross-sectional study. Study population is comprised of premenopausal adult women with a diagnosis of T1DM, consecutively recruited from a Diabetes outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Spain, Europe.
Ultrasound Characterization of Ovarian Follicle Dynamics in Women With Amenorrhea
OligomenorrheaAmenorrhea1 moreIn women with regular menstrual cycles, antral follicles have been shown to grow in synchronous cohorts, called waves, 2-3 times in a menstrual cycle. It is unknown whether these waves of follicle growth also occur in women with amenorrhea or if there is abnormal/absent follicle growth. Further, oligo- or amenorrhea has been associated with metabolic disturbances, such as over- or under-nutrition, central obesity and insulin resistance. Yet, mechanisms whereby metabolic factors influence folliculogenesis in women are poorly understood. To understand potential mechanisms, the investigators plan to characterize follicle growth dynamics in women with or without regular menstrual cycles and identifying key metabolic differences in these women which may be important in normal follicle development and fertility.
Bioenergetics of Exercise-Induced Menstrual Disturbances
Menstruation DisturbancesLuteal Phase Defect2 moreMenstrual disturbances are frequently observed in physically active women and female athletes. Short term prospective studies have shown that diet and exercise interventions can lead to decreases in Luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility, however these studies are unable to capture further changes in menstrual status. One longer term prospective study over two menstrual cycles showed that weight loss elicited menstrual disturbances, but there were no quantifiable measurements of energy availability. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to assess how varying levels of energy deficiency created through a combination of caloric restriction and exercise affect menstrual function in young, premenopausal, sedentary women.
Acupuncture for Oligomenorrhea Due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary SyndromeOligomenorrheaThis study is an international multicenter, pilot randomized, assessor-blind, controlled trial, which is aimed to preliminarily investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on oligomenorrhea due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Adrenal Hyperplasia Among Young People With PCOS
Adrenal HyperplasiaPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome3 moreBackground: - Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a group of disorders related to problems with the secretion of certain hormones, which can lead to reproductive and other issues in women. Frequent complications of PCOS include irregular menstruation, development of ovarian cysts, and insulin resistance. The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidney, are involved in the production of certain hormones and the regulation of steroid levels in the blood, and may be affected in women with PCOS. Researchers are interested in studying possible connections between the adrenal glands and PCOS in young women who have been diagnosed with PCOS and healthy volunteers with normal menstrual function. Objectives: - To investigate possible connections between adrenal gland steroid hormone secretion and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Eligibility: Women between 16 and 29 years of age who have been diagnosed with PCOS, or who are healthy volunteers with normal menstrual function. Participants must be willing to discontinue the use of oral contraceptives or any other medications that alter steroid hormone production for at least 1 month before the start of the study. Design: Participants will be screened with a physical examination, medical history, and blood and urine tests. All participants will also have a pelvic (ovarian) ultrasound. All participants will be admitted to the hospital for a 1-week testing period, which will involve the following tests: Regular blood draws for two 2-hour periods (late evening and early morning) to measure hormone levels Fasting blood draws with a dose of corticotropin to test the body's adrenal function Hormone level measurement following regular doses of dexamethasone (a drug that controls the function of the adrenal gland) Daily urine collection for 6 days. Other studies, such as imaging studies of the adrenal glands, may be conducted as required by the study researchers.
Reproductive Effects of Pesticide, PCB and Mercury Exposure in Laotian Immigrants
AmenorrheaDysmenorrhea3 moreThis project is examining the reproductive effects of exposure to certain compounds that are suspected to act on the endocrine system, e.g. they may act like or interfere with hormones such as estrogen. The study is being conducted among Laotian women, as it is suspected that they may have higher exposures to the compounds of interest (pesticides and PCBs) from their homeland and from consumption of fish caught in the San Francisco Bay. Fifty Laotian immigrants were recruited by community workers to collect urine daily during 3 menstrual cycles for measurement of steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Additionally, they provided a blood sample to measure exposure levels, and completed 2 interviews in their native language. These measured levels, as well as the self-reported data on a number of factors including fish consumption, will be examined for possible effects on hormone levels and menstrual function.
The Cycle Disturbances, OLigomenorrhea and Amenorrhea (COLA) Study & Biobank
AnovulationThrough the COLA Study and Biobank the investigators hope to enable further identification of phenotype, endocrine, ethnic, and metabolic characteristics associated with menstrual cycle disturbances; and: the identification of genetic or other etiologic factors associated with cycle disturbances.