Transgenerational aspects of PCOS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Transgenerational affects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on hormones and behaviour
IRAS ID
136009
Contact name
Paul J Hardiman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
JRO, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus
Research summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects about one in ten women. One of the key features of PCOS is raised levels of testosterone in the bloodstream. PCOS is associated with a range of problems, such as insulin resistance, obesity, fertility problems, and cardiovascular problems. Evidence from animal studies suggests that mother’s testosterone can affect the development of the unborn child, resulting in the child developing PCOS and the related features. Recent studies of humans suggests that higher levels of testosterone are found in the umbilical cord of daughters of women with PCOS compared to daughters of women who don’t have PCOS. However it is not yet know whether the higher levels of testosterone in PCOS pregnancies have an impact on the development of PCOS and related issues the child. However we do know that in other pregnancies where the human fetus is exposed to testosterone, the fertility of daughters may be affected. Interestingly, early signs of the effects of testosterone can be seen in altered behaviour of children, for example, in how much rough-and-tumble play they enjoy. However, we do not yet know whether daughters of mothers with PCOS are effected in any way. This study is designed to compare testosterone levels in women with PCOS and in their umbilical cord with levels in healthy controls to assess whether we can predict from these levels whether their children go on to develop PCOS, or any of the early behavioural signs of exposure to testosterone in the womb. In order to do this, the child’s development at 6 months and 18 months will be compared (a) to the testosterone levels at birth (b) to development of children of non-PCOS pregnancies.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1643
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion