How hormone changes affect brain function and behavior in females
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of brain and behavior by the estrous cycle
Funded at Fordham University · NIH-11006315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in female hormones during the menstrual cycle can affect the brain and feelings, especially anxiety and depression, to help find better treatments for women facing these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fordham University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,762 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123523-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who experience anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or those who do not experience anxiety or depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluctuations in sex hormones during the ovarian cycle influence brain structure and behavior in females, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, the researchers aim to understand how these hormonal changes affect gene expression in the brain. Using animal models, they will explore the relationship between chromatin organization and anxiety-related behaviors, providing insights into the unique vulnerabilities faced by women. The findings could lead to the development of targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions that disproportionately affect women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved, sex-specific treatments for anxiety and depression in women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of hormonal changes on brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Fordham University
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kundakovic, Marija — Fordham University
- Study coordinator: Kundakovic, Marija
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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.