Actively Recruiting
Cerebral Blood Flow and Neurocognitive Performance in Adults Undergoing Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2026-06-03
72
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) affects the brains of transgender adults. The study will investigate changes in cerebral blood flow, brain structure, connectivity, and cognitive functions such as memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Researchers will compare these brain changes in transgender males and females over the first few months after starting GAHT. Participants will undergo two main sets of evaluations: one before beginning GAHT and another 4 to 6 months after continuous hormone therapy. These evaluations include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess brain structure and function, cognitive and health tests to measure body composition and neurocognitive performance, and an optional graded exercise test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. During the study, participants will have MRI scans involving structural brain imaging and scans during cognitive tasks and acute stress response. They will complete cognitive tasks using the NIH Toolbox and have body composition scans. Optional exercise testing may be performed. Researchers will monitor changes in brain blood flow, structure, connectivity, and various cognitive tests over the study period, with the entire observation lasting up to 6 months after starting GAHT.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Health in Transgender Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Intention to undergo gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT)
- Age between 18 and 45 years
- All genders eligible
You will not qualify if you...
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m2
- Age greater than 45 years
- Blood pressure greater than 140/90 (stage II hypertension)
- Current diagnosis of type II diabetes
- History of traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, or seizures
- Post-menopausal status
- Previous use of hormone therapy medications
- Self-reported pregnancy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo baseline assessments including MRI scans, cognition and health tests, and optional graded exercise tests to measure brain structure, function, and physical fitness before starting hormone therapy.
1 baseline visit (in-person) lasting approximately 1.5 hours for MRI plus additional time for cognitive and optional exercise tests
Duration - 4 to 6 months
Participants undergo continuous gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and are monitored for changes in cerebral blood flow, brain structure, connectivity, cognitive function, body composition, and blood markers over 4 to 6 months.
No scheduled visits during hormone therapy; monitoring occurs through assessments at baseline and after 4 to 6 months
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete follow-up assessments including MRI scans, cognition and health tests, and optional graded exercise tests to evaluate changes after 4 to 6 months of continuous hormone therapy.
1 follow-up visit (in-person) lasting approximately 1.5 hours for MRI plus additional time for cognitive and optional exercise tests
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53792
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Shawn Bolin, MS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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