How gender-affirming hormone therapy affects pain in gender minority adults

The Impact of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy on Pain in Gender Minority Adults

NIH-funded research University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10996421

This study is looking at how hormone therapy for transgender and non-binary adults might affect chronic pain, helping us understand if the hormones used can change pain experiences for those who take them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996421 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between gender-affirming hormone therapy (GHT) and chronic pain in gender minority adults, including transgender men, transgender women, and non-binary individuals. It aims to understand how masculinizing GHT, which involves testosterone, and feminizing GHT, which includes estrogen and progesterone, may influence the presence and severity of chronic pain syndromes. By analyzing data from this understudied population, the research seeks to identify potential differences in pain experiences related to hormone therapy. The study will utilize retrospective and cross-sectional analyses to gather insights into how these therapies impact pain management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are gender minority adults aged 21 and older who are receiving or have received gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as gender minority or those who are not undergoing hormone therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for gender minority adults undergoing hormone therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between gender-affirming hormone therapy and chronic pain, but this research aims to provide more comprehensive insights into this relationship.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, 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.