Precision contraception: how genetics influence hormonal birth control side effects
Official title: Precision Contraception: Genetic Variation in Symptom Response to Hormonal Contraceptive Exposure
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11441233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Genetic differences may explain why people have different side effects from hormonal birth control, and researchers will use a large national dataset to explore these links.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,674 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD123643-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals using hormonal contraception or considering it, with available genetic and health data in the All of Us program.
✕Less likely to help
Those without access to or participation in All of Us data or who do not use hormonal contraception may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will use diverse real-world data from the All of Us program, including health records, pharmacy data, surveys, and genetics, to study how genetic variants relate to side effects from hormonal contraception. Researchers will look for connections between specific genes and symptom patterns in people using birth control compared to those who do not. They will use both targeted analyses of candidate genes and a broad scan across many traits to understand potential genetic influences. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could someday guide personalized contraception choices and improve tolerability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more personalized birth control options with fewer bothersome side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show genetic factors can influence drug responses, but this project explores hormonal contraception specifically using a large diverse dataset.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dreisbach, Caitlin — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Dreisbach, Caitlin
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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.