Ovarian Physiology and Dysfunction

What we do

Research into the endocrinology of normal and aberrant gonadal function with an emphasis on understanding the causes, consequences and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Why it is important 

PCOS is the commonest endocrine disorder in women and is the leading cause of infrequent or absent ovulation (and therefore reduced fertility) and of hirsutism (excess body hair). It is also characterised by metabolic dysfunction (with increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and long-term impairment of mental health.

How it can benefit patients

Results of our research has already helped improve fertility treatment for women with PCOS and other disorders of ovulation. Our work has informed better management of weight loss in overweight women with the syndrome, so reducing the impact of PCOS on long-term health. Our ongoing research is aimed at better understanding how PCOS develops and how we may be able to prevent its adverse effects on reproductive function and long-term health.

Summary of current research

In our long-term collaboration with Professor Aylin Hanyaloglu we have identified and characterised abnormal function of the luteinising hormone receptor (LHR) in ovarian cells from women with PCOS (PDRA, Dr Priyanka Anujan). Ongoing work is targeted at modulating the abnormally increased LHR activity to improve ovarian function in PCOS.

We are part of a multi-centre, international programme of work, funded by Wellcome, “Healthy Reproductive Ageing (HERA)”. Recent information from large-scale genetic studies has revealed genes that are common to both early menopause (premature loss of eggs) and PCOS (who appear to have a later menopause). Our part of this work is to investigate the ovarian biology of these genes. The team is led by Professor Anna Murray (Geneticist, University of Exeter) and co-investigators are Prof John Perry (Epidemiologist ), University of Cambridge), Professor Eva Hoffman (Ovarian Biologist, University of Copenhagen) and Emeritus Professor Stephen Franks (Clinical Endocrinologist, Imperial).