Can estrogen rewire how the brain learns fear?

NCT ID NCT07737613

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Arizona Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether estrogen influences how the brain processes fear, focusing on postmenopausal women who experience natural declines in the hormone. Participants will take an estradiol tablet and undergo brain scans while viewing shapes that sometimes predict a mild electric shock. The goal is to understand how hormones and cognition together affect fear learning and anxiety risk later in life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: estradiol (a form of estrogen) given as an oral tablet
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward ways to reduce anxiety and PTSD risk in older women by understanding how estrogen influences fear processing.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study focused on brain activity, not on treating any condition. Results may not lead to practical changes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COGNITIVE DECLINE IN OLDER ADULTS POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN PTSD AND TRAUMA-RELATED SYMPTOMS

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