Examining the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on pain in gender minority adults
Official title: Pain Outcomes Associated With Exogenous Hormone Therapy in Adults
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06939257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how starting gender-affirming hormone therapy affects pain levels over time in adults who identify as gender minorities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 16, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 16, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06939257 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are gender minority individuals aged 18-50 who are either starting or not using gender-affirming hormone therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not identify as gender minority or those outside the age range of 18-50 may not receive benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study, known as TRANSPIRE, will involve approximately 200 participants who are either starting gender-affirming hormone therapy (GHT) or are gender minority individuals not using GHT. The study aims to assess how chronic pain changes over time with GHT through various methods, including surveys, quantitative sensory testing (QST), brain MRIs, and qualitative interviews. Participants will complete baseline measures and follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate the impact of GHT on pain experiences. The study seeks to address the gap in research regarding pain in gender minority individuals and the effects of hormone therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into how gender-affirming hormone therapy affects pain management in gender minority individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been few studies on the relationship between GHT and pain in gender minority individuals, previous research suggests potential effects, making this study both relevant and necessary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent provided by the participant * Ages 18-50 years * English speaking * GM persons who have been deemed to be an appropriate medical candidate to take gender-affirming hormone therapy for gender incongruence -OR- GM persons who are not taking gender-affirming hormone therapy Aim 2 (QST and MRI) Additional Inclusion Criteria: * GM persons who have been deemed to be an appropriate medical candidate to take gender- affirming hormone therapy for gender incongruence * Stable doses of analgesic medications for at least 30 days prior to screening * Right handed * Normal visual acuity or correctable to at least 20/40 for reading instructions in the MRI * Willingness to refrain from pain medications such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opioid medications for 12 hours prior to neuroimaging and QST * Willingness to refrain from alcohol and nicotine on day of QST and neuroimaging * Willingness to refrain from physical activity or exercise that would cause muscle and/or joint soreness for 48 hours prior to testing (routine exercise or activity that does not lead to soreness is acceptable) * Investigators will attempt to recruit individuals with no chronic daily use of adjunctive pain medications, including tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and gabapentinoids as these drugs can influence neuroimaging and QST findings, or have individuals be weaned off of these meds at least two weeks prior to being studied. In previous smaller imaging studies investigators could accomplish this, but this may not be possible in this large of a study. If the study team does need to allow individuals into these cohorts while on such medications because of pragmatic issues, this information will be recorded and patients will be asked to remain on a stable dose for at least two weeks prior to MRI and QST assessments. * Able to lie still on their back for 1.5 hours for MRI scans Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent * Age less than 18 years or greater than 50 years * Severe physical impairment (e.g., blindness, deafness, paraplegia) * Co-morbid medical conditions that may significantly impair physical functional status (e.g., history of non-skin malignancy, or autoimmune disorder) * Pregnant or nursing * Liver failure * Self-reported liver cirrhosis * Self-reported hepatitis * Severe Cardiovascular disease (examples: history of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, severe coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or severe valvular abnormalities) that are self-reported by patient or by medical record * Prisoner * Current litigation for chronic pain * Current disability proceedings * Active psychotic or suicidal symptoms * Current drug or alcohol use disorder * History of gonadectomy surgery Aim 2 (QST and MRI) Additional Inclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal implants, pacemaker, etc.) * Severe claustrophobia precluding MRI and evoked pain testing during scanning * BMI \> 40 or unable to lie comfortably in MRI * Current, recent (within the last 6 months), or habitual use of artificial nails or nail enhancements. (Artificial nails can influence pressure pain sensitivity at the thumbnail) * Peripheral neuropathy * Diagnosed epilepsy or seizure history
Where it's running
-
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea L Chadwick, MD, MSc, FASA — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Emily Schulze, MSc
- Email: FACELab@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-7630
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.