Hormone patch may reveal why some women develop PTSD after trauma

NCT ID NCT03973229

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether the hormone estradiol influences PTSD symptoms and brain activity related to fear and stress in women. Researchers will give some participants an estradiol patch and others a placebo before MRI scans that measure brain responses to threatening cues. The study includes women with PTSD, trauma-exposed women without PTSD, and healthy controls, all of whom are naturally cycling and not on hormonal birth control.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: estradiol patch
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to lower PTSD risk in women by timing hormone-based interventions.
What could go wrong: This is a very early-phase study with a small sample, so results may not apply broadly. The estradiol patch is used only briefly and may not produce lasting effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PTSD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

injury post-traumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Traumatic

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PTSD TRAUMA

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Locations

Grady Memorial Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.