How synthetic sex hormones affect methamphetamine use in women
Official title: Influence of synthetic sex hormones on methamphetamine effects and self-administration in women
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10837084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how synthetic hormones, like those in birth control, might affect how women use and feel about methamphetamine, with the goal of finding better treatment options for women dealing with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057071-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are experiencing methamphetamine use disorder or are at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or those who do not use methamphetamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of synthetic sex hormones on the effects and self-administration of methamphetamine in women. It aims to understand the sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder, particularly how hormonal fluctuations influence addiction behaviors. By examining the role of synthetic ovarian hormones, such as progestins found in contraceptives, the study seeks to identify potential treatment strategies tailored for women. The findings could help improve public health approaches for women struggling with methamphetamine use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for women with methamphetamine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on hormonal influences in addiction, the specific focus on synthetic ovarian hormones in relation to methamphetamine use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Childs, Emma — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Childs, Emma
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.