Comparison of Lifestyle Markers Between Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Comparison of Lifestyle Markers Between Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The purpose of the study is to identify lifestyle factors associated with PCOS and understand
 how diet and activity levels impact features of PCOS. The secondary aim is to examine
 psychosocial factors (e.g., health beliefs) of women with PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 6-12% of
 reproductive-aged women within the general population. Currently, there is limited knowledge
 on the current lifestyles of women with PCOS and the psychosocial factors associated with
 PCOS.

 The researchers plan to examine potential lifestyle differences and psychosocial factors
 between PCOS and healthy women. The Research Team is also interested in the relationships
 between biological markers and lifestyle endpoints in women with and without PCOS. Previous
 literature has shown there are biological marker differences between those with and without
 PCOS. By examining these relationships, researchers may further understand whether PCOS
 status is associated with lifestyle parameters.

 To accomplish these objectives, 360 women (120 women with PCOS, 120 women without PCOS and
 with normal menstrual cycles, and 120 women without PCOS and with irregular menstrual cycles)
 will be included in this study. An equal number of lean and overweight/obese women will be
 recruited within each group based on body mass index (BMI; Lean = 18 - 24 kg/m2 and
 overweight/obese ≥ 25 kg/m2). Women will be included in the PCOS group if they have a
 confirmed PCOS diagnosis from their primary care provider. Participants will complete a food
 frequency questionnaire, a sleep questionnaire, and a physical activity questionnaire. A
 researcher may also provide participants with a waist-worn accelerometer to monitor physical
 activity and a wrist-worn accelerometer to monitor sleep for a week. Ultrasound scans of the
 ovaries will be assessed and the following metabolic parameters will be assessed: (1) 75-gram
 oral glucose tolerance test; (2) dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan; (3) vitals and
 anthropometry assessment to measure waist and hip circumference, height, weight, blood
 pressure, and heart rate; (4) fasting blood tests to detect androgens (i.e., total
 testosterone, androstenedione, free androgen index); and (5) an (optional) subcutaneous fat
 biopsy. Women with and without PCOS will also be asked to complete a questionnaire that will
 assess the psychosocial factors (e.g., health beliefs). This can be conducted online, in
 person, or through phone.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Between 18 and 48 years

 -  BMI ≥ 18 kg/m2

 -  If ≥ 21 years old, must have completed a pelvic exam in the past 2 years

 -  In PCOS if: Confirmed PCOS diagnosis from their primary care provider

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Use of oral contraceptives, fertility medications, or any drugs known to influence
 reproductive function

 -  Pregnant or breastfeeding