What is Research?
Research is the process of discovering new knowledge and solving problems in an organized way. It builds on what is already known to further knowledge on a topic or field.
What Our Research is About
We want to understand if — and how — we can prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) from developing in adolescents! And part of that question also involves understanding how we can promote optimal reproductive maturation in adolescence.
→ What is PCOS?
PCOS is a common health problem that can affect young girls and women. It can start after a child’s very first period. PCOS can cause irregular periods or even make periods stop, and can also cause a someone to have excess hair growth, acne, and dark patches of skin. Not only does PCOS affect reproductive health, but it is also linked to other health issues like insulin resistance, weight gain, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and diabetes.
If you would like to learn more about PCOS, this website from Monash University is a great resource!
→ Why Study adolescence?
PCOS affects around 18% of adolescents living in the United States. This time period is an important time of development and abnormalities can result in lifelong health effects. We are especially interested in understanding how our diet (what you eat), our environment (how easy is it for us to get fruits and vegetables), and our body (how well can our body digest sugar) might be affecting out ability to get regular periods.
Interested in Participating in our Research?
In order to answer these questions, we recruit families to participate in our studies! When you enroll in a study, you help us collect information and data that will result in new findings we can share with other researchers around the world. This allows researchers and health care professionals (like doctors) find better ways to prevent and treat conditions so people can live healthier and happier lives.
If you are interested in being a part of one of our studies, check out one of our current studies here. We primarily enroll children and teenagers ages 8-18 with parental/legal guardian permission and would love to have you join us! But remember, being in a study is up to you! You can decide not to, or quit anytime and that’s okay!
Parents/legal guardians: if you would like to learn more about studies your child or teen might be eligible for, please see the ‘Open Studies’ section below or email us at teeenhealthresearch@ag.tamu.edu.
If you are interested and under 18 years of age: please ask a parent to contact us!
If you are between 18 and 21: if you would like to learn more about joining one of our studies, please email us at teeenhealthresearch@ag.tamu.edu.
Vanden Brink Lab 