Center for Reproductive Health Research Studies

If you are unsure about what studies you qualify for, simply email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, explore different UCSF studies at clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu. 

I'm interested in participating!

 

About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders of the endocrine system affecting women of reproductive age.  The endocrine system regulates and secretes hormones throughout the body.  PCOS is often associated with hormone irregularities.  The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.  It may be due to a combination of several factors, including insulin resistance, obesity, and changes in hormone production.  

PCOS is considered a syndrome because the signs and symptoms vary from woman to woman. 
With PCOS, the body produces higher levels of androgen, or “male” hormones.  These high levels of androgens prevent the ovaries from making enough progesterone, which is necessary for a normal menstrual cycle.  Estrogen hormone levels are usually normal.  The higher levels of androgens and lower levels of progesterone result in undeveloped egg follicles.  As a result, ovulation cannot occur and the immature follicles turn into small cysts in the ovaries.

How common is it?
PCOS affects approximately 5-10% of women who are of childbearing age, however, about 30% of women have at least some characteristics of the syndrome.  It is the most common endocrine disorder among pre-menopausal women.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Studies

MINDD Study | Metformin, Vitamin D, and Depression in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Trial

Status: Active, Enrolling
This clinical trial explores new options for treating depressed mood in women with PCOS, low Vitamin D and insulin resistance. Participants will complete psychological questionnaires and have blood testing. They will be randomly assigned to one of two treatments (Vitamin D or Metformin). Mood and blood testing is repeated after the 12-week trial, and participants will have an individualized follow-up visit with the study doctor to wrap-up.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-45, diagnosed with PCOS, presence of insulin resistance and low Vitamin D

Alex McGough
Clinical Research Coordinator
415-502-2557
[email protected]

Heather Huddleston MD
Principal Investigator

clinical trials Website
For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

PCOG Study | Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Status: Active, Enrolling
This study investigates relationship between insulin resistance, mood and cognitive function in PCOS. Participants will have a blood glucose testing to determine insulin and glucose levels and will meet with a trained specialist for a cognitive assessment visit. The cognitive assessment visit will include modules looking at domains such as mood, executive functioning, memory, and reasoning, which are associated with common PCOS symptoms like brain fog.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-45, and diagnosed with PCOS

Alex McGough
Clinical Research Coordinator
415-502-2557
[email protected]

Heather Huddleston MD
Principal Investigator

PCOS Clinic Website
For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

PCOS Exercise Study | Effects of Exercise on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Status: Active, Enrolling
This study is determining which type of exercise, vigorous for a short duration or moderate for a longer duration, will help patients with PCOS most in improving insulin resistance, BMI, metabolic profiling, and mood symptoms. Participants will be assigned to one of the two exercise regimens, meet with an exercise physiologist for a one-hour training session, and be provided with a FITBIT Fitness Tracker for the duration of the study.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-50, diagnosed with PCOS and presence of insulin resistance

Alex McGough
Clinical Research Coordinator
415-502-2557
[email protected]

Heather Huddleston MD
Principal Investigator

 

 

Martha Noel MD
Principal Investigator

PCOS Clinic Website
For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

Paleo Diet Study | Paleo Versus Healthy ADA Diets for Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Status: Active, Enrolling
This study is evaluating the effects of specific diets on the regulation of menstrual cycles in PCOS patients to help improve fertility treatments for women with PCOS. Participants will follow a paleolithic-type diet or a health ADA-recommended diet to see if either one can help regulate menstrual cycles. Participation will be supported by visits with a diet coach, social media activity, and teleconferences with investigators.

Additional information about the PCOS Paleo Diet study can be found at the following websites:

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-40, and diagnosed with PCOS

Alex McGough
Clinical Research Coordinator
415-502-2557
[email protected]

Heather Huddleston MD
Principal Investigator

clinical trials Website
For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

PCOS Tissue Bank & Longitudinal Study

Status: Active, Enrolling
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors that may explain PCOS. We will use information collected during visits to our PCOS clinic and the family history of PCOS patients to learn about the causes and effects of PCOS.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18 years or older, and diagnosed with PCOS

Alex McGough
Clinical Research Coordinator
415-502-2557
[email protected]

Heather Huddleston MD
Principal Investigator

PCOS Clinic Website
For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.