Gut microbiome and multisensory sensitivity in teen menstrual pain
Official title: Gut Microbiome Mechanisms of Multisensory Sensitivity in Primary Dysmenorrhea
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11438140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adolescent girls with moderate-to-severe menstrual pain will explore how gut bacteria relate to their pain and sensitivity to different senses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $468,368 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD123315-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescent girls aged 13–19 with moderate-to-severe primary dysmenorrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Teens without menstrual pain or with non-primary causes may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether the gut microbiome is connected to multisensory sensitivity and menstrual pain in girls aged 13–19 with primary dysmenorrhea. It will collect gut bacteria data, sensory responsiveness, and pain measures to understand potential links. The findings could point to new ways to manage menstrual pain by considering gut health and sensory processing. If successful, the study may lay the groundwork for future trials and personalized approaches for adolescents dealing with chronic menstrual pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could lead to new, gut-focused strategies to reduce menstrual pain and sensory sensitivity in teens.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research links gut microbiome to chronic pain and sensory processing, but this specific connection in adolescent dysmenorrhea is new.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Laura a — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Payne, Laura a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.