Motivation: A host of prevalent, debilitating, and costly public health concerns disproportionately affect women and fluctuation in sex hormones, particularly estrogen, are known to contribute to the development, onset, and/or progression of many of these disorders. Animal models have repeatedly shown that the structure and function of the hippocampus (part of the brain important for memory) change as estrogen rises and falls across the menstrual cycle. Human studies have been inconsistent likely due to limitations in both tool sensitiity and characterization of hormone profiles. This study addresses those limitations.
Who we are recruiting: Women between the ages of 19 and 55 with a regualr 28-ish day menstrual cycle who are not currently taking hormonal birthcontrol (nonhormonal birth control is okay) and who have not been pregnant or breast fed in the last 3 years. This is a TWO session study with sessions approximately two weeks apart.
How do I enroll? The first step is to fill out this webform. Next a member the research team will reach out to you by phone and/or email to tell you more about the study and provide you with a copy of our consent document and also MRI safety screening form. If you are eligible for the study, we will provide you with an ovulation predictor kit and ask you to track your cycle for one month. This will allow us to scheudle your study sessions at periods of low and high estradiol.
What will I do during the study? When you arrive to the lab, you will get an MRI, complete some cognitive assessments on a computer, and provide a blood sample. Each session lasts apprxoimately 2.5 hour. You will be paid $100 for your participation or you can elect to get SONA credit toward your psychology coursework.
For more information and to be contacted by our team, please fill out the below information: