A major focus of our research is identifying the factors during adolescence that may influence skeletal health during the adult years. We study how physical and emotional health are affected in adolescents and young women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) by examining both the clinical presentation and underlying causes—including POI that can develop in childhood cancer survivors, and ovarian dysfunction of autoimmune, genetic or idiopathic (unknown) origin. We are conducting a clinical trial to characterize multiple health outcomes and determine the optimal hormone replacement therapy for the adolescent population. Our lab also uses advanced tools to provide state-of-the-art assessments of bone density, body composition, and skeletal strength.

We are also investigating skeletal phenotypes in rare genetic disorders, some of which resemble or meet criteria for skeletal dysplasias, including Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome, Ollier disease, and Maffucci syndrome. We are studying Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), which results from androgen receptor mutations leading to androgen resistance, as well as the effects of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) on skeletal health. These rare neuroendocrine tumors produce high levels of catecholamines, which may adversely affect bone density and bone turnover.

Lastly, another aspect of our research focuses on the relationship between skin pigmentation and bone mineral density/muscle strength, predominantly in adolescents. We are conducting research across a range of pediatric and adolescent populations with gynecologic conditions associated with secondary bone defects. Using spectrophotometry, we quantitatively measure skin pigmentation, and we assess muscle grip strength with a handheld dynamometer. Body composition is evaluated by DXA, which allows us to measure lean body mass and better understand the muscle health.