Blackwell Research Institute is proud to highlight the work of Diya Trivedi, a student researcher from Eastern Regional High School, whose paper explores how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women differently based on ethnicity. In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its Effects on Women Based on Ethnicity, Diya examines the genetic and hormonal factors that shape the wide variation in PCOS symptoms, comorbidities, and disease severity across populations.

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood, particularly among minority populations. Diya’s research addresses a critical gap by focusing on how genetic polymorphisms and ethnic background influence the development of PCOS-related comorbidities, including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hirsutism, and infertility.

Through an extensive review of existing literature, Diya explains that PCOS is not a single, uniform condition, but rather a spectrum of phenotypes shaped by genetic variation. As she writes in her paper:

“Certain ethnicities that are more likely to carry a specific polymorphism are also prone to its associated comorbidity.”

These genetic differences affect hormone regulation and mitochondrial function, leading to distinct patterns of symptoms among different populations. For example, Diya highlights how Middle Eastern, South Asian, Black, and Hispanic women with PCOS are more likely to experience severe hirsutism and insulin resistance, while East Asian women often present with milder androgen-related symptoms. These differences are tied to variations in enzymes such as 5-α reductase and mutations in genes like CYP19, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1.

Diya also examines how ethnicity influences metabolic risk. Certain populations face higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular complications when PCOS is present, while others may experience infertility as the primary manifestation. This variability underscores the limitations of current diagnostic tools, particularly the Rotterdam Criteria, which Diya argues may overlook or misclassify patients whose symptoms do not fit a generalized profile.

The community relevance of this research is significant. Many women live for years without a diagnosis or receive treatments that do not adequately address their specific risk factors. For families and healthcare systems, this can lead to delayed care, worsening comorbidities, and reduced quality of life. Diya’s work emphasizes that more inclusive research and personalized diagnostic approaches are necessary to improve outcomes for women of all backgrounds.

As a student from Eastern Regional High School, Diya’s research reflects both academic rigor and a strong commitment to addressing health disparities. By highlighting the intersection of genetics, ethnicity, and women’s health, her work contributes to a broader effort to move medicine toward more equitable, individualized care. This research serves as an important reminder that understanding diversity in biology is essential for developing effective diagnostics and therapies