State of Hormones Impact Nociceptive Expression
Who can join
Ages 18 to 65 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * self-identification as one of the above gender identities * understanding of verbal and written English. * participants that have been on/off hormone treatment for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * pain in at least 3/7 days/week for the past 3 months * HIV positive diagnosis * cardiovascular or pulmonary disease * regular use of opioid pain medications * uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of \> 150/95) * current illness accompanied by fever (body temperature \>38 °C) * prostatectomy, hysterectomy or oophorectomy * hospitalization due to psychiatric illness within the last 6 months.
About the study
The Investigators have recently published on differences in pain sensitivity measures between cis and trans individuals in the local area. The investigators observed the anticipated differences in pain sensitivity between CM and CW (CW \> CM), but found that the TW were phenotypically similar to CW in all measures. However, the investigators did not assess hormone level, nor did the investigators recruit TM participants. Here, with the assistance of two local community group stakeholders the investigators will recruit the following groups: CM, CW, TM+T (currently taking exogenous testosterone), TW+E (exogenous estradiol), TM, and TW (n=20/group). The investigators will use quantitative sensory testing to assess sensitivity to cold, pressure, and heat via standardized protocols. Blood samples will be taken for assessment of stress and reproductive hormone levels, immune cell populations and stimulated cytokine release. Finally, questionnaires will measure pain state, quality of life (QOL), voice QOL, body image, appearance, self-reported health, masculinity/femininity, community connectedness, gender role, sleep, depression, social support, adverse childhood experiences and stigma.
What is being tested
- Quantative sensory testing (behavioral)
- Blood Draw (diagnostic test)
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham · Participants: 120 · Started: Mar 1, 2023
Contact the study team
- Tammie Quinn, BA · Phone: (205) 934-8743
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05787470
Locations in the U.S.
| Alabama | University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.