The role of sex hormones in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Sex hormones and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10842407

This study looks at how hormones like testosterone and estradiol might affect the development and severity of PTSD and related issues like depression and anxiety, especially in men and women, to help find better ways to treat and prevent these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10842407 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol, influence the development and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health issues like depression and anxiety. By analyzing data from approximately 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank, the study aims to uncover the relationship between hormone levels and mental health outcomes, particularly focusing on the differences observed between men and women. The findings could lead to improved treatment and prevention strategies for PTSD, especially among populations that are disproportionately affected, such as women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced trauma and may be suffering from PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or related mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD and related mental health disorders, particularly for women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested a link between sex hormones and mental health outcomes, but this research aims to provide more definitive answers with a much larger sample size.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.