Understanding how period pain in adolescents may lead to chronic pain
Understanding the Role of Adolescent Dysmenorrhoea as a Risk Factor for the Transition to Chronic Pain: Clinical Cohort Study
This study looks at how period pain in young women aged 11 to 20 might lead to long-term pain problems later on.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06353789 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between dysmenorrhea in adolescents and the potential development of chronic pain. It aims to identify physiological changes that occur in young women experiencing period pain, comparing them to those without pain. By examining these changes, the study seeks to inform clinical practices and develop preventative strategies for chronic pain. The research focuses on participants aged 11 to 20 who have experienced at least six menstrual cycles and reports on their pain levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females or those assigned female at birth, aged 11 to 20, who have experienced at least six menstrual cycles and report varying levels of period pain.
Not a fit: Patients with current or previous chronic pain conditions other than dysmenorrhea, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to early identification and prevention strategies for chronic pain in young women.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies have indicated that understanding menstrual pain can provide insights into chronic pain development.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant (or parent/guardian of participant) is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. * Female or assigned female at birth. * aged 11 - 20 years. * At least 6 periods per year since menarche. * During the study data collection period will be within one of the following time intervals since menarche: * 12 - 15 months * 36 - 39 months * 60 - 63 months * Reports either period pain or no pain with periods and scores appropriately on NRS (period pain: ≥4/10; no period pain: ≤3/10). * Not using hormonal therapies (i.e. contraceptives) currently and has not used previously. * Reasonably fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or previous chronic pain condition other than dysmenorrhoea, including migraine. * Pregnant or breast-feeding. * Previous cancer diagnosis. * Contraindication to MRI
Where this trial is running
Oxford, Oxfordshire
- University of Oxford — Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katy Vincent, MRCOG, DPhil — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Katy Vincent, MRCOG, DPhil
- Email: katy.vincent@wrh.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 00 44 1865 220024
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.