How menstrual cycle phases affect risk-taking in women with opioid use disorder
Elucidating How Menstrual Cycle Phase Influences Neurocognitive Processes Underlying Risk-Taking in Women with Opioid Use Disorder
This study looks at how different phases of the menstrual cycle might affect decision-making and risk-taking in women with opioid use disorder, helping us understand how hormones like estrogen could influence their recovery and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10997609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the influence of menstrual cycle phases on neurocognitive processes related to risk-taking in women with opioid use disorder (OUD). By conducting a series of fMRI sessions throughout the menstrual cycle, the study aims to understand how hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen, affect decision-making and vulnerability to relapse. The approach includes comparing women with OUD to healthy controls to identify differences in risk-taking behavior linked to hormonal changes. The findings could provide insights into tailored treatment strategies for women struggling with OUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with opioid use disorder who experience regular menstrual cycles.
Not a fit: Patients who are not women or those who do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for women with opioid use disorder by considering hormonal influences on behavior.
How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence linking hormonal changes to risk-taking behavior, this specific approach examining women with OUD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lofaro, Francesca — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lofaro, Francesca
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 below.