How changes in sex hormones affect pain after surgery
Official title: Examination of sex hormone alteration on post-operative pain development and treatment
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-10914920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in sex hormones might affect the way people feel pain after surgery, especially for those who have different hormone levels, to help improve pain management for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150979-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have undergone surgery and have altered sex hormone levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone surgery or do not have any hormonal alterations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of altered sex hormone levels on the development of chronic pain following surgical procedures. By using preclinical models, the study aims to understand how these hormonal changes may influence pain sensitivity and recovery in patients. The researchers will explore genetic and genomic mechanisms that could explain why some individuals experience more severe postoperative pain. This work is particularly focused on patients with altered sex hormone levels, which are often overlooked in pain management studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing surgery, particularly those with hormonal imbalances.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining sex hormone alterations in postoperative pain is relatively novel, there is existing research indicating that hormonal factors can influence pain perception and recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkerson, Jenny — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Wilkerson, Jenny
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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.