Testosterone Effects on Brain Imaging and Headache in Transmasculine Youth
Studies changes in headache and brain scans in transmasculine youth starting testosterone.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Puberty, Testosterone, and Brain Development
Key facts
- Where
- Aurora, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 12 and 20 years old?
Source: NCT06670053, who can take part
Where in United States
- Children's Hospital ColoradoAurora, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Colorado, Denver
- Trial code
- NCT06670053
- Record updated
- 21 September 2026
- Original description
Transmasculine youth (female sex assigned at birth, male gender identity) who begin clinical gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with testosterone (T) may experience changes in headache. Researchers think this because studies published on effects of giving testosterone to cisgender females (female sex, female gender identity) and transmasculine adults seem to show an effect on pain.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effect of Testosterone on Brain Imaging and Headache in Transmasculine Adolescents
Transmasculine youth (female sex assigned at birth, male gender identity) who begin clinical gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with testosterone (T) may experience changes in headache. Researchers think this because studies published on effects of giving testosterone to cisgender females (female sex, female gender identity) and transmasculine adults seem to show an effect on pain.
This research will help us learn more about changes in headache and in brain structure and function in transmasculine youth during the first year of T. Youth who will be starting T within 6 months, either on puberty blocker or not, as part of their regular medical care can participate and will be asked to attend 3 visits:
* before starting T * after 6 months on T * after 1 year on T
At the visits, they will be asked to:
* answer questions and surveys about their health * have a brain MRI done * give a small sample of blood
and at their first visit, complete a physical exam. Some participants can also do a brief test of pain sensitivity. All participants will be asked to complete a headache diary for the first 6 months and for 1 month after the 1 year visit.
Inclusion: transmasculine and gender diverse; assigned female at birth; age 12-20 years at the time of enrollment; plan to start testosterone clinically in < 6 months; if taking gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa, puberty blocker), was started on this type of drug 3+ months prior to enrollment.
Exclusion: prior diagnosis of Turner Syndrome (monosomy X) or other difference of sexual development; prior diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); cognitive or psychiatric impairment resulting in inability to tolerate or perform the study procedures; known history of stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other serious neurologic condition; uncontrolled or untreated hypothyroidism; MRI-specific exclusion criteria: (Weight > 500 lbs, severe claustrophobia, certain type of metal in body).