How oral contraceptives affect brain development in young women
Official title: The Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Neuron-derived Exosomal miRNA Expression in the Developing Brain
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10989061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how birth control pills might affect brain development in young women by examining tiny particles that carry important information in the brain, helping us understand any changes that could impact their brain health as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $212,345 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD113953-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent and young adult females who are currently using or have used oral contraceptives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or who are not in the adolescent to young adult age range may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of oral contraceptives on the expression of neuron-derived exosomal microRNA in the developing brains of young women. It aims to understand how synthetic hormones in these contraceptives may influence brain structure and function during critical developmental periods. By analyzing exosomes, which are small vesicles that carry important biological information, the study seeks to uncover potential cellular changes that could impact neurological health. This research is particularly focused on the adolescent and young adult population, where brain maturation is still ongoing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how oral contraceptives may influence brain health and development in young women.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on the effects of oral contraceptives on adult women's brain health, this specific investigation into their impact on the developing brain is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberson-Nay, Roxann — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Roberson-Nay, Roxann
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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.