Investigating hormonal changes during perimenopause and their effects on mood and inflammation
Official title: Hormonal Drivers of Perimenopausal Inflammation and Mood Symptoms
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11176931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormonal changes during perimenopause might cause more inflammation and mood issues like anxiety and depression in women, with the goal of finding ways to help those who are struggling with these symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $935,314 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135079-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, particularly those with mood disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the perimenopausal stage or who do not experience mood symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how hormonal changes during perimenopause may lead to increased inflammation and mood symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in women. It focuses on the roles of specific hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and acyl-ghrelin, which can affect both the immune system and mood regulation. By comparing the timing of hormonal fluctuations with changes in inflammation and mood, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these symptoms. This could help identify potential therapeutic targets for women experiencing these challenges during perimenopause.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for mood symptoms in women undergoing perimenopause.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal changes can influence mood and inflammation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spicer, Julie a — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Spicer, Julie a
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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.