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Brain Health in Transgender Adults
Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Summary
The purpose of this study is to test whether and how a person's brain changes in the first few months after starting gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The investigators want to know if GAHT changes: 1) cerebral blood flow (CBF), 2) brain structure, connectivity, and cognitive task performance, and 3) neurocognitive function (memory, attention, executive function, processing speed). 36 male at birth and 36 female at birth participants will conduct baseline studies prior to GAHT, with a second identical set of study visits 4-6 months after GAHT begins.
Official title: Cerebral Blood Flow and Neurocognitive Performance in Adults Undergoing Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
72
Start Date
2025-10-14
Completion Date
2028-04
Last Updated
2026-06-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Two MRI visits (baseline and after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT) will involve structural scans of the brain, scans while performing cognitive tasks, and a scan taken while responding to an inhaled CO2 stressor. This visit will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Cognition and Health Tests
Two cognition and health test trials (baseline and after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT) will involve a body composition scan to determine body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. This will be followed by a set of cognitive tasks using the NIH Toolbox.
Optional Exercise Test
Optional graded exercise test will be performed if the participant consents to this optional procedure (baseline and after 4-6months of continuous GAHT). to determine cardiorespiratory fitness. This test will be performed on a cycle ergometer, with a metabolic allowing for the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption via indirect calorimetry.
Locations (1)
UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin, United States