WELCOME TO
PCOS RESEARCH NEW ZEALAND
Nau mai tauti mai ki te Rangahau Mate Whare Kano Pūkoro-tini ki Aotearoa
Exploring better ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure PCOS
through discovery research
ABOUT US
Mō Mātau
We are a network of New Zealand based researchers focussed on understanding the chronic health condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
We are specifically interested in understanding how androgen excess impacts a woman’s physiology over her lifespan. In line with our vision, our discovery research is identifying valuable new knowledge about how PCOS develops and how it can be reversed.
In addition, we recognise the need for reliable, evidence-based information sharing between researchers, health professionals, patients and their whānau (family) and hope that we can provide links and resources that promote this communication.
Our vision is to:
Create new knowledge about the impact of androgen excess in women
Shift the focus of the biomedical and clinical understanding of PCOS pathophysiology and treatment toward the brain
Identify better ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure PCOS
Provide reliable, evidence-based resources to researchers, health professionals, patients and their whānau (family)
RESOURCES
Rauemi
Linking researchers, health professionals, patients and their whānau (family) to reliable, evidence-based resources and support
OUR RESEARCH
Ā Mātou Rangahau
ANDROGEN EXCESS IN WOMEN
Elevated androgens in prenatal life are strongly linked with hyperandrogenism and PCOS development in adulthood. We are investigating potential programming mechanisms, as well as cellular targets of androgens in the developing brain, and how developmental exposure to androgens impacts on adult function.
PCOS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND THE BRAIN
Knowledge gained in both preclinical animal models and clinical cohorts have highlighted the importance of focusing on the female brain when it comes to understanding PCOS pathophysiology and treatment. Programming of brain wiring leads to disease development, and brain wiring and reproductive function is restored by blocking androgen actions.
PCOS, OBESITY AND HYPERINSULINEMIA
PCOS is also associated with obesity, hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance. We are interested in investigating the causal relationships between these features and fertility. Elevated androgens contribute to the metabolic phenotype of PCOS through actions in the brain, and high insulin can likewise contribute to the hyperandorgenism of PCOS through actions at the ovary.
CONTACT US
Whakapā mai
We would love to hear from you but please note that we are not a health provider. We are happy to provide our perspectives and expertise, but will always recommend that patients seek information from their personal health providers