How estradiol affects women's sensitivity to alcohol during their menstrual cycle
Official title: Estradiol Effects on Behavioral and Reward Sensitivity to Alcohol across the Menstrual Cycle
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10917316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the hormone estradiol during a woman's menstrual cycle might affect her behavior and how she reacts to alcohol, with the hope of helping women understand their drinking patterns better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $481,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA027990-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are naturally-cycling women who consume alcohol and are willing to participate in daily assessments throughout their menstrual cycle.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not naturally-cycling, such as those on hormonal contraceptives or postmenopausal women, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluctuations in the hormone estradiol during the menstrual cycle influence women's behavior and sensitivity to alcohol. By examining a sample of 100 naturally-cycling women, the study will track daily hormone levels and alcohol consumption, alongside laboratory tests to assess acute sensitivity to alcohol. The goal is to understand the specific behavioral mechanisms that may lead to increased alcohol use during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, particularly when estradiol levels surge. This comprehensive approach aims to provide insights into the relationship between hormonal changes and alcohol use in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for alcohol use disorders in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal fluctuations can influence alcohol use, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fillmore, Mark T — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fillmore, Mark T
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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.