Study to Assess Potential Impairments in Estradiol Augmentation of Gonadotropin Secretion in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
University of Virginia
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if estradiol augmentation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion secretion (primary endpoint) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion (secondary endpoint) is reduced in adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Description
This is a two-group controlled study to test the following hypothesis: compared to body mass index (BMI)-matched normal controls, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will demonstrate blunted LH responses to preovulatory estradiol concentrations. We will study both normally-cycling controls and women with PCOS. We aim to recruit BMI-matched pairs (PCOS vs. control within 2 kg/m2). To provoke a gonadotropin surge, subjects will receive graded transdermal estradiol dosing, and we will use a dose adjustment protocol to maintain serum estradiol levels of 250-400 pg/ml. To enhance reliabilit…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–30 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * PCOS group: post-pubertal (\> 4 years post-menarche) adult woman aged 18-30 years with PCOS, defined as clinical and/or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism and/or elevated serum \[calculated\] free testosterone concentration) plus ovulatory dysfunction (irregular menses, fewer than 9 per year), but without evidence for other potential causes of hyperandrogenism and/or ovulatory dysfunction * Control group: post-pubertal (\> 4 years post-menarche) adult woman aged 18-30 years with regular menstrual periods (every 26-35 days) and no evidence of hyperandrogen…
Interventions
- DrugEstradiol
Subjects will receive graded doses of transdermal estradiol patches for up to 7 days. Blood estradiol tests will be performed daily, and the number of estradiol patches used will be adjusted to maintain serum estradiol levels of 250-400 pg/ml. Estradiol is a natural hormone.
Location
- University of Virginia Clinical Research UnitCharlottesville, Virginia