Research

Patients are also welcome to participate in our PCOS research program.  We are actively involved in investigating many aspects of PCOS as well as potential treatments for this disorder.  If you are interested in participating in an on-going study, please contact [email protected].

Participate in  Current Projects

PCOS Tissue Bank and Longitudinal Study

Who may participate?

  • Patients with a PCOS diagnosis
  • Age: >18 years old

Why is this study being done?

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.

Estimated Time Commitment: 1 blood draw visit

Remuneration: No monetary remuneration

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PCOS BRACE Study

Who may participate?

  • Enroll 100 participants with a PCOS diagnosis
  • Enroll 100 participants without a PCOS diagnosis

Why is this study being done?

This study measures cognitive functions in women with and without PCOS to compare performance in tests of executive function in relation to the PCOS group.

Estimated Time Commitment: One 45 minute visit at UCSF's Center for Reproductive Health

Remuneration: $50 total

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UCSF Oura Study

 Who may participate?

  • Patients with a PCOS diagnosis
  • Age: 18-42 years old
  • Not taking hormone medications such as birth control pills

Why is this study being done?

Join UCSF and Oura in a partnership to better understand the menstrual cycle.

Remuneration: Study participants are eligible to keep the Gen 3 Oura Ring ($300 value) after participation in the study.

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PCOS MUSE Study

Who may participate?

  • Enroll 20 patients with a PCOS diagnosis

Why is this study being done?

This study is investigating how immune cells can impact a woman's health. Participation involves a study blood draw and an endometrial biopsy. More specifically, one of the study doctors conducts a standard vaginal speculum exam and utilizes an endometrial Pipelle to apply gentle suction for sampling of the endometrium. 

Estimated Time Commitment: 1 time visit, 30 minutes

Remuneration: $200

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REST-UP Study

Who may participate?

  • Patient with a PCOS diagnosis and insulin resistance

Why is this study being done?

This study is exploring the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and PCOS.

Estimated Time Commitment: 1 time overnight visit at the UCSF Sleep Center

Remuneration: $50

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GEMS Study

Who may participate?

  • Patient with a PCOS diagnosis and aged 18-45 years old

Why is this study being done?

This study is characterizing and comparing glycemic status using CGMs among patients with and without PCOS.

Estimated Time Commitment: Wearing a Dexcom device for 10 days. A smaller cohort will be invited to wear a glucose monitor for an additional 90 days.

Contact Us

Contacts:

Jamie Corley
Clinical Research Coordinator
[email protected]
(415) 502-2557

Nik Lenhart
Clinical Research Coordinator
[email protected]
(415) 502-2555

 

Recent Publications

  1. Greenwood EA, Pasch LA, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Obesity and depression are risk factors for future eating disorder-related attitudes and behaviors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2020 May;113(5):1039-1049. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.016. PMID: 32386615.

  2. Schmidt TH, Okhovat JP, Khanijow K, Huddleston H, Cedars M, Pasch L, Wang ET, Lee J, Shinkai K. Rotterdam criteria-based diagnostic subtype is not a strong predictor of cutaneous phenotype in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 07; 77(1):174-176. PMID: 28619560.

  3. Reid SP, Kao CN, Pasch L, Shinkai K, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Ovarian morphology is associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross sectional study. Fertil Res Pract. 2017; 3:8. PMID: 28620546.

  4. Afifi L, Saeed L, Pasch LA, Huddleston HG, Cedars MI, Zane LT, Shinkai K. Association of ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type, and hirsutism: A retrospective cross-sectional study of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Mar; 3(1):37-43. PMID: 28492053.

  5. Quinn MM, Kao CN, Ahmad A, Lenhart N, Shinkai K, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Raising threshold for diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome excludes population of patients with metabolic risk. Fertil Steril. 2016 Oct; 106(5):1244-1251. PMID: 27445197.

  6. Pasch L, He SY, Huddleston H, Cedars MI, Beshay A, Zane LT, Shinkai K. Clinician vs Self-ratings of Hirsutism in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Associations With Quality of Life and Depression. JAMA Dermatol. 2016 Jul 01; 152(7):783-8. PMID: 26942548.

  7. Schmidt TH, Khanijow K, Cedars MI, Huddleston H, Pasch L, Wang ET, Lee J, Zane LT, Shinkai K. Cutaneous Findings and Systemic Associations in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. JAMA Dermatol. 2016 Apr; 152(4):391-8. PMID: 26720591.

  8. Greenwood EA, Noel MW, Kao CN, Shinkai K, Pasch LA, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Vigorous exercise is associated with superior metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome independent of total exercise expenditure. Fertil Steril. 2016 Feb; 105(2):486-93. PMID: 26551442.

  9. Greenwood EA, Pasch LA, Shinkai K, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Putative role for insulin resistance in depression risk in polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2015 Sep; 104(3):707-14.e1. PMID: 26054555.

  10. Kamangar F, Okhovat JP, Schmidt T, Beshay A, Pasch L, Cedars MI, Huddleston H, Shinkai K. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Special Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations for Children. Pediatr Dermatol. 2015 Sep-Oct; 32(5):571-8. PMID: 25787290.

  11. Piltonen TT, Chen JC, Khatun M, Kangasniemi M, Liakka A, Spitzer T, Tran N, Huddleston H, Irwin JC, Giudice LC. Endometrial stromal fibroblasts from women with polycystic ovary syndrome have impaired progesterone-mediated decidualization, aberrant cytokine profiles and promote enhanced immune cell migration in vitro. Hum Reprod. 2015 May; 30(5):1203-15. PMID: 25750105; PMCID: PMC4400200.

  12. Quinn M, Shinkai K, Pasch L, Kuzmich L, Cedars M, Huddleston H. Prevalence of androgenic alopecia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and characterization of associated clinical and biochemical features. Fertil Steril. 2014 Apr; 101(4):1129-34. PMID: 24534277.

  13. Huddleston HG. Biomarkers of ovarian reserve in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Semin Reprod Med. 2013 Nov; 31(6):452-61. PMID: 24101226.

  14. Piltonen TT, Chen J, Erikson DW, Spitzer TL, Barragan F, Rabban JT, Huddleston H, Irwin JC, Giudice LC. Mesenchymal stem/progenitors and other endometrial cell types from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) display inflammatory and oncogenic potential. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Sep; 98(9):3765-75. PMID: 23824412; PMCID: PMC3763978.

  15. Wang ET, Kao CN, Shinkai K, Pasch L, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Phenotypic comparison of Caucasian and Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study. Fertil Steril. 2013 Jul; 100(1):214-8. PMID: 23557763.

  16. Johnstone EB, Davis G, Zane LT, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Age-related differences in the reproductive and metabolic implications of polycystic ovarian syndrome: findings in an obese, United States population. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Oct; 28(10):819-22. PMID: 22475130.

  17. Lamb JD, Johnstone EB, Rousseau JA, Jones CL, Pasch LA, Cedars MI, Huddleston HG. Physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence, predictors, and positive health associations. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Apr; 204(4):352.e1-6. PMID: 21288501.