Hormone Imbalance

This research aims to evaluate a web-based decision support tool designed to help men make informed choices about vasectomy and other birth control options. The study focuses on understanding whether the decision aid improves users knowledge about vasectomy, reduces decisional conflict, and influences interest in vasectomy compared to men who do not use the tool. The trial is randomized and compares two groups to assess these outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to either use the Vasectomy Right for Me web-based decision aid or to complete a survey without using the decision aid. Those in the decision aid arm engage with the tool to learn about vasectomy and alternative contraception methods before answering survey questions. The control group completes the survey directly after randomization without access to the decision aid. During the study, participants will complete surveys assessing their knowledge about vasectomy, their decisional conflict regarding contraceptive choices, and their interest in vasectomy. These assessments occur up to 45 minutes after the assigned intervention or survey completion. The study is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and aims to better understand factors that influence mens reproductive decisions related to vasectomy.

Researchers are evaluating the use of XYOSTED as a testosterone replacement therapy in adolescent males aged 12 to under 18 years with primary or secondary hypogonadism, a condition where the body produces little or no testosterone. This Phase 34 open-label study aims to assess how well XYOSTED supports the continuation or start of puberty, along with its safety and the testosterone levels it maintains. Participants will receive XYOSTED injections at doses tailored to their weight and targeted pubertal stage. Dose adjustments will be made based on testosterone levels measured at specific intervals after dosing, with evaluations approximately every three months to reach the desired hormone levels. After completing the 52-week initial study period, participants may enter a 24-month extension to further monitor long-term safety and treatment effects. Throughout the study and extension, participants will undergo clinical examinations including pubertal staging, blood tests for testosterone and other labs, bone density scans, body composition assessments, and X-rays to monitor bone age. Researchers will track changes in puberty progression, bone health, body measurements, and hormone levels. Participants will attend regular clinic visits every six months during the extension phase to continue safety and pharmacokinetic evaluations.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a six-month virtually-delivered dietary education program called PEDALL to prevent overweight and obesity during maintenance chemotherapy in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia ALL. The study focuses on English and Spanish speaking families and considers key genetic and sociodemographic risk factors that may affect weight gain during treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the PEDALL intervention group or the standard of care SOC group. The PEDALL group will receive 26 contact hours of specialized nutrition education through weekly one-hour virtual sessions over six months. The SOC group will receive printed educational materials and nutritional care according to their institutions usual practices. During the study, participants and their caregivers will engage in nutrition education and counseling sessions. Researchers will assess weight status, body mass index trajectories, lifestyle behaviors, and the influence of genetic and sociodemographic factors over time. The main goal is to prevent unhealthy weight gain during maintenance chemotherapy and improve long-term health outcomes for childhood ALL survivors. The study will last up to 3.5 years for primary outcomes, with additional follow-up extending to four years.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, conditions influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to better understand how different genetic variations affect gene expression in tissues involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, which may contribute to what is called diabesity, a combined condition of diabetes and obesity. The study uses advanced genomic techniques and bioinformatics to analyze these factors in both humans and animal models. Participants in this observational study are grouped based on their body mass index BMI and diabetes or glucose intolerance status. Groups include individuals with BMI 35 kgm2 with diabetes, glucose intolerance, or without diabetes, as well as those with BMI < 27 kgm2 and BMI between 27 and 35 kgm2 without diabetes. Samples are collected during abdominal surgeries such as bariatric surgery or cholecystectomy to study gene expression and metabolic pathways. During the study, researchers collect biological samples at baseline and follow participants over several years to assess changes in gene expression and insulin resistance. They also evaluate clinical and biological features before and after bariatric surgery at 1, 2, and 5 years. The primary measurement focuses on gene expression in tissues related to glucose metabolism. This long-term observation helps to understand the genetic and phenotypic factors influencing obesity and diabetes, with participation lasting up to 5 years.

Researchers are studying patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome to understand how often adrenal insufficiency occurs when treated with osilodrostat combined with glucocorticoid replacement. The study also examines new steroid biomarkers to monitor osilodrostat dosing, and assesses treatment durability, safety, and clinical improvement. This observational study aims to provide important insights into managing this condition with a block-and-replace approach. The study has two phases. In Phase 1 Titration, participants start with a low dose of osilodrostat and add methylprednisolone replacement. Doses are adjusted to reach specific cortisol level goals, with frequent monitoring and communication. Once these goals are met, participants enter Phase 2 Maintenance, where they continue treatment for 48 weeks with periodic cortisol tests to track treatment effects. Participants will regularly provide blood and saliva samples for cortisol and steroid profiling, and report symptoms related to adrenal insufficiency. Researchers will track clinical measures such as blood pressure, weight, and quality of life over about 48 weeks. The main outcome is the percentage of participants experiencing adrenal insufficiency during Phase 1, along with various secondary health and hormone measures throughout the study.

Researchers are investigating whether tirzepatide can improve ovarian dysfunction in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS who are overweight or have obesity. This phase IV, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to show that tirzepatide at the maximum tolerated dose is better than placebo for improving menstrual irregularity related to PCOS. The study is conducted at five sites in Germany and focuses on women aged 18 to 45 years with PCOS defined by specific criteria.

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and how the body processes Semaglutide Nasal Spray compared to a placebo and a known injection in adults who are overweight or obese. This Phase I clinical trial aims to better understand the effects of the nasal spray formulation of Semaglutide in this population. The study is sponsored by Shanghai World Leader Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and focuses on adults aged 18 to 65 years with specific body mass index ranges. Participants will receive either the Semaglutide Nasal Spray, placebo, or a Semaglutide injection Wegovy in different randomized groups. The study involves a single-dose administration and includes several cohorts receiving various combinations of the nasal spray and placebo or the injection. Treatments are given once, and the study monitors the participants for up to 36 days after administration to assess drug levels and effects. During the study, participants will undergo various evaluations including blood tests, vital signs monitoring, physical examinations, electrocardiograms ECGs, and urine analyses from Day 1 to Day 36. Researchers will measure how much of the drug reaches the blood, how long it stays, and any side effects that occur. Antibody levels against the drug will also be checked up to Day 29. Participants will be closely monitored for any safety concerns throughout the study period.

This research aims to evaluate a culturally relevant micronutrient-dense plant-rich mNDPR dietary intervention designed to reduce obesity and related disease risks among Native American employees of Twin Arrows Casino. Native Americans face higher rates of obesity and Type II diabetes compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The study involves a randomized controlled trial to assess improvements in physical health measures, wellness, and healthcare costs over one year. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a 12-week mNDPR nutrition program or a wait-list control group. The intervention includes a 2-hour initial group session followed by weekly 1-hour coaching sessions led by trained Native American Masters of Public Health students using Motivational Interviewing. Sessions provide nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, workplace dining tours, and social support. The wait-list control group will maintain usual eating habits during the first 12 weeks before receiving the same intervention. Participants will undergo health and wellness assessments at baseline and after 13 weeks, with additional diet recall at week 26 for the experimental group and follow-up measures for the control group. Healthcare utilization will be reviewed at 52 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in Hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, insulin, blood lipids, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, and wellness indicators like anxiety and sleep quality. Adherence to the diet will be monitored weekly, alongside attendance and self-monitoring of diet compliance.

This research aims to evaluate if men with prostate cancer who experience hot flashes from their androgen deprivation therapy ADT will consistently wear a smartwatch to track their health data and log hot flashes. The study focuses on comparing smartwatch data with daily surveys about hot flash experiences to better understand these symptoms. The study is conducted with patients receiving ADT who report daily hot flashes and are willing to use wearable technology for monitoring. Participants will be given an EmbracePlus smartwatch and a charging device after consent and eligibility confirmation. They will be trained to use the device, including how to log hot flashes by pressing a button on the watch. The smartwatch pairs with a smartphone app to transmit biometric data and hot flash events to a cloud server for research access. Participants will wear the watch continuously for 28 days, except for charging, and receive up to four daily surveys through text message links to report their hot flash experiences. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored by the research team who will verify data collection and device use. They will receive a check-in call and complete an end-of-study survey. Researchers will measure the duration of watch wear per day, the percentage of days with self-reported hot flash events, and how well smartwatch logs match the surveys. The total participation lasts 28 days, during which biometric data and subjective hot flash reports are collected and analyzed.

Researchers are evaluating ARO-ALK7, a drug given by injection, in adult participants with obesity, both with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus T2DM. This Phase 12a study aims to understand the safety, tolerability, how the body processes the drug, and how the drug affects the body. The study is divided into two parts Part 1 focuses on adults with obesity without T2DM, and Part 2 includes adults with obesity both with and without T2DM, testing ARO-ALK7 alone or combined with tirzepatide. Participants receive either single or multiple doses of ARO-ALK7 or matching placebo injections. In Part 2, some participants also receive weekly tirzepatide starting from Day 15 through Day 253. The doses of ARO-ALK7 are escalated to explore different levels of the drug. The study compares ARO-ALK7 alone, placebo, ARO-ALK7 combined with tirzepatide, and placebo combined with tirzepatide to assess their effects. During the study, participants are monitored for treatment-emergent adverse events until Day 253. Researchers collect detailed information on how the drug moves and acts in the body, especially during Part 1. Participants will have scheduled visits to receive treatments and undergo safety and effectiveness assessments. The total study duration covers up to about 8 and a half months, including dosing and follow-up, to fully evaluate the drugs impact and safety profile.