Effects of puberty blockers and estrogen on heart health in transgender youth

Pubertal Blockade and Estradiol Effects on Cardiometabolic Health for Transitioning Youth (PUBERTY)

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10888162

This study is looking at how puberty blockers and estrogen therapy impact the heart and overall health of young transgender girls, so we can better understand their health needs during treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10888162 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how puberty blockers and estrogen therapy affect the heart and metabolic health of transgender youth. Led by Dr. Natalie Nokoff, a Pediatric Endocrinologist, the study will observe young transgender females before and after receiving treatment to understand changes in vascular function and insulin sensitivity. Participants will be monitored over time to gather important data on their health outcomes, which is currently lacking in existing literature.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are transgender females aged 12 to 20 who are undergoing or considering puberty blockade and estrogen therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as transgender or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health guidelines and treatment protocols for transgender youth, enhancing their cardiometabolic health.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the cardiometabolic effects of these treatments in transgender youth, similar studies in related areas have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.