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.