Investigating how hormonal changes affect brain structure and memory in women
Changes in hippocampal microstructure and hippocampal-dependent memory accompanying hormonal fluctuation in naturally cycling women
This study is looking at how changes in hormones during your menstrual cycle might affect your brain and memory, and it’s for women who want to learn more about how their hormones influence their thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10642941 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle impact the microstructure of the hippocampus and related memory functions in women. Using advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), the study aims to measure subtle changes in brain tissue that may occur with hormonal shifts. Participants will undergo MRI/MRE scans and cognitive assessments while their hormone levels are monitored through blood tests. The goal is to better understand the relationship between hormonal changes and cognitive performance in naturally cycling women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are naturally cycling women aged 18 to 40 with a typical hormonal profile.
Not a fit: Patients who are not naturally cycling or those outside the age range of 18 to 40 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how hormonal fluctuations affect memory and cognitive health in women.
How similar studies have performed: While animal studies have shown significant changes in hippocampal structure with hormonal fluctuations, human studies are still emerging, making this research a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarb, Hillary — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Schwarb, Hillary
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.