State of Hormones Impact Nociceptive Expression
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The Investigators have recently published on differences in pain sensitivity measures between cis and trans individuals in the local area. The investigators observed the anticipated differences in pain sensitivity between CM and CW (CW \> CM), but found that the TW were phenotypically similar to CW in all measures. However, the investigators did not assess hormone level, nor did the investigators recruit TM participants. Here, with the assistance of two local community group stakeholders the investigators will recruit the following groups: CM, CW, TM+T (currently taking exogenous testosterone), TW+E (exogenous estradiol), TM, and TW (n=20/group). The investigators will use quantitative sensory testing to assess sensitivity to cold, pressure, and heat via standardized protocols. Blood samples will be taken for assessment of stress and reproductive hormone levels, immune cell populations and stimulated cytokine release. Finally, questionnaires will measure pain state, quality of life (QOL), voice QOL, body image, appearance, self-reported health, masculinity/femininity, community connectedness, gender role, sleep, depression, social support, adverse childhood experiences and stigma.
Description
Aim 1: To determine the impact of gender identity, genetic sex and hormone status on pain sensitivity. Hypotheses: CM, TM and TM+T will have higher thresholds and lower sensitivity across the majority of pain tests when compared to CW, TW, and TW+E. Gender identity will influence pain sensitivity. Aim 2: To examine social and psychological factors that contribute to pain sensitivity in our groups. Hypotheses: Trans individuals will have pain sensitivity scores that align with their identified gender and will not be related to hormone levels or genetic sex. Stress, sleep quality, depression,…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * self-identification as one of the above gender identities * understanding of verbal and written English. * participants that have been on/off hormone treatment for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * pain in at least 3/7 days/week for the past 3 months * HIV positive diagnosis * cardiovascular or pulmonary disease * regular use of opioid pain medications * uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of \> 150/95) * current illness accompanied by fever (body temperature \>38 °C) * prostatectomy, hysterectomy or oophorectomy * hospitalization due to psychiatric illness w…
Interventions
- BehavioralQuantative sensory testing
All participants will undergo quantitative sensory testing for assessment of endogenous pain modulation using painful heat, mechanical, and cold stimuli in a laboratory session lasting approximately 1 hour.
- Diagnostic TestBlood Draw
Sample of blood will be taken.
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama