NCT07624747 · University of Wisconsin, Madison
Brain Health in Transgender Adults
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to test whether and how a person's brain changes in the first few months after starting gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The investigators want to know if GAHT changes: 1) cerebral blood flow (CBF), 2) brain structure, connectivity, and cognitive task performance, and 3) neurocognitive function (memory, attention, executive function, processing speed).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to test whether and how a person's brain changes in the first few months after starting gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The investigators want to know if GAHT changes: 1) cerebral blood flow (CBF), 2) brain structure, connectivity, and cognitive task performance, and 3) neurocognitive function (memory, attention, executive function, processing speed). 36 male at birth and 36 female at birth participants will conduct baseline studies prior to GAHT, with a second identical set of study visits 4-6 months after GAHT begins.
Interventions
DEVICE
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Two MRI visits (baseline and after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT) will involve structural scans of the brain, scans while performing cognitive tasks, and a scan taken while responding to an inhaled CO2 stressor. This visit will take approximately 1.5 hours.
OTHER
Cognition and Health Tests
Two cognition and health test trials (baseline and after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT) will involve a body composition scan to determine body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. This will be followed by a set of cognitive tasks using the NIH Toolbox.
OTHER
Optional Exercise Test
Optional graded exercise test will be performed if the participant consents to this optional procedure (baseline and after 4-6months of continuous GAHT). to determine cardiorespiratory fitness. This test will be performed on a cycle ergometer, with a metabolic allowing for the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption via indirect calorimetry.
Primary outcome measures
Change Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF)
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
CBF at rest and in response to cognitive stressors.
Change in Brain Structure
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
Grey matter and White matter volumes.
Change in Brain Connectivity
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
Measured using MRI.
Change in Cognitive Function: Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
NIH Toolbox to assess neurocognitive function. The Flanker test is a measure of executive function and is scored using a T-score where 100 is the average, higher scores indicate better performance.
Change in Cognitive Function: Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
NIH Toolbox to assess neurocognitive function. The Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test measures how many correct responses the participant has within 90 seconds. There is a maximum of 130 items.
Change in Cognitive Function: List Sorting Working Memory Test
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
NIH Toolbox to assess neurocognitive function. The List Sorting Working Memory Test is a measure of recall and sorting. Participants scores reflect the number of items recalled and appropriately sorted up to 28 items maximum.
Change in Cognitive Function: Dimensional Change Card Sort Test
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
NIH Toolbox to assess neurocognitive function. The Dimensional Change Card Sort Test measures accuracy: the number of accurate responses, up to a maximum of 40.
Change in Cognitive Function: Picture Vocabulary Test
Time frame: baseline and up to 6 months (after 4-6 months of continuous GAHT)
NIH Toolbox to assess neurocognitive function. The Picture Vocabulary Test has the participant hear a word and then pick from one of four pictures that best represents the word. It is scored using a T-score where 100 is the average, higher scores indicate better performance.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- intention to undergo GAHT
Exclusion criteria
- BMI greater than 40 kg/m2
- Age greater than 45 yrs
- Blood pressure greater than 140/90 (stage II hypertension)
- A current diagnosis of type II diabetes
- History of traumatic brain injury/concussion, stroke, or seizures
- Are post-menopausal
- Previously taken hormone therapy medications
- Self-reported pregnancy (no pregnancy test)
Where
- Madison, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations