Actively Recruiting
State of Hormones Impact Nociceptive Expression Study Evaluating Pain Sensitivity, Hormones, and Immune Function Across Gender Identities
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2026-03-11
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how gender identity, genetic sex, and hormone levels affect pain sensitivity. The study includes groups such as cisgender men and women, transgender men and women with and without hormone treatment. It also explores social and psychological influences on pain, as well as immune system differences between these groups. The study aims to better understand pain experiences across diverse gender identities and hormone statuses. Participants will undergo quantitative sensory testing to measure sensitivity to cold, pressure, and heat using standardized protocols. Blood samples will be collected to assess stress hormones, reproductive hormones, immune cell populations, and cytokine release. Questionnaires will gather information on pain, quality of life, body image, mental health, social support, and experiences related to gender and stigma. In a single visit lasting about two hours, participants will have blood drawn, complete questionnaires, have body measurements taken, and undergo pain sensitivity testing. The pain tests include pressure applied with a handheld probe, heat applied by a thermal device, cold exposure with a cold pressor task, and combined pressure and cold stimuli. The study will assess multiple outcomes including pain thresholds, hormone levels, immune responses, sleep quality, depression, social support, and experiences of discrimination.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
State of Hormones Impact Nociceptive Expression
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Self-identification as one of the specified gender identities (cisgender or transgender)
- Understanding of verbal and written English
- On or off hormone treatment for at least 6 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Experiencing pain on at least 3 days per week for the past 3 months
- HIV positive diagnosis
- Cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
- Regular use of opioid pain medications
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic/diastolic blood pressure over 150/95)
- Current illness accompanied by fever (body temperature over 38 �b0C)
- History of prostatectomy, hysterectomy, or oophorectomy
- Hospitalization due to psychiatric illness within the last 6 months
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 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants provide a blood sample and undergo body measurements to assess hormone levels, immune function, and vital signs.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete questionnaires about quality of life, stigma, depression, social support, and other factors related to pain sensitivity.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete pain sensitivity testing using pressure, heat, cold, and combined stimuli during a laboratory session.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tammie Quinn, BA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
6
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