Research Study for Children With a Mother or Sister With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Overview

In this study, we want to find out more about polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS). This is a common problem in about 7% of teenage girls. Problems may include irregular periods, extra hair on the face, chest and back areas. It seems that PCOS is related to a high level of male hormones and to another problem called metabolic syndrome(MBS). People with MBS may have high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, high blood fats and extra fat around the waist. Girls with MBS are at high risk for getting diabetes and heart disease.

Once enrolled in the study, you will have a physical exam done. This includes getting a medical history, height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate. We will also listen to your heart and lungs. We will also look at your skin and determine what stage of puberty you are in by looking at your breast growth and body hair. You will also have two (maybe three) blood tests. The first one is an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). During this test, we will have you drink an orange sugary drink and then we will draw your blood. The second test is a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT). During this test, we will give you insulin through one IV catheter and then we will draw blood from another IV catheter. The third test that you might have done is an ACTH test. During this test, we will draw your blood and then you will be given a dose of cortrosyn (a hormone that your body already makes) and then we will draw your blood again. You will also have two scans of your body done during your visit. There will be a Dual Energy X-Ray Scan (DEXA) and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI). You will be placed in the machines and then the scanner will move over your body.

Conditions

Eligibility