Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Sensitivity to Ovarian Hormones and Depression in Adolescents

This study is exploring the link between a teenage girl's changing hormone levels and feelings of depression. The main aim is to discover if certain girls, who have a history of depression, are particularly affected by their ovarian hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). Participants, who are assigned female at birth, will monitor their hormone levels daily at home using a special device called the Mira Analyzer. They will also complete online surveys about their mental health every day for 90 days. This research hopes to understand why some young girls might experience depression more intensely due to hormone changes, which could lead to better support in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Depressed

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us understand a really important question: how do the natural hormone changes that teenage girls go through affect their mood and feelings of depression? For many young women, the teenage years bring about big shifts in their hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries. We know that these hormones play a role in lots of body functions, but their connection to mental health, especially depression, isn't fully understood.

The researchers want to see if there's a specific group of teenage girls who have experienced depression in the past and are particularly sensitive to these hormone changes. By 'sensitive,' we mean that their mood might be more strongly affected when their hormone levels go up or down. If we can identify these young women, it could open the door to new ways of understanding and supporting them.

Taking part would involve closely tracking your hormone levels at home using an easy-to-use device, and also sharing how you're feeling each day. This information will help scientists see patterns between hormone changes and mood. It's hoped that what's learned from this study could eventually lead to better ways to help young girls manage depression, especially if it's linked to their hormone cycles.

Key takeaways

This study explores the link between hormones and depression in teenage girls.
Participants will track daily hormone levels and mood for 90 days from home.
It aims to identify if some girls are more sensitive to hormone changes.
Eligibility includes girls aged 12-18 with a history of depression and natural periods.
Participation is non-invasive and does not involve medication.
Findings could lead to better support for young people with depression.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for teenage girls who were assigned female at birth. To join, you should have started your periods at least a year ago and have natural menstrual cycles (meaning you're not using anything to control your cycle). You also need to have a history of depression or be experiencing symptoms of depression and be able to read and write in English.

You cannot take part if you are pregnant. Also, if you are currently taking any medication or using any devices that affect your hormones or your menstrual cycle, you won't be able to join this study. This is because these things could change your natural hormone levels, making it harder for the researchers to understand the link they are investigating.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a girl, assigned female at birth?
Are you between 12 and 18 years old?
Have you had your period for at least one year?
Do you have natural menstrual cycles (not using hormonal birth control or other cycle-altering medicines/devices)?
Have you experienced depression or symptoms of depression?
Are you able to comfortably read and write in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to visit a clinic. Instead, you'll be doing everything from home for a period of 90 days. The main tasks will involve using a special device called the Mira Analyzer every day. This device helps you measure your hormone levels from home.

Alongside tracking your hormones, you'll also be asked to answer some questions online each day. These questions will be about how you're feeling and your mental health. The total time commitment for tracking and answering questions will be daily for three months. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up appointments after the 90 days are complete.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of joining this study include helping scientists learn more about how hormones affect depression in teenage girls. This knowledge could lead to better ways to help young people with depression in the future. As for risks, you might find it takes a little time each day to use the hormone tracker and answer the survey questions. There are no other known physical risks, as no medication is given and no invasive procedures are involved. You have the right to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What exactly will I be tracking with the Mira Analyzer?

You'll be tracking your levels of ovarian hormones, specifically oestrogen and progesterone, to see how they change each day.

How often do I need to do the online surveys?

You'll be asked to answer online survey questions about your mental health every day for 90 days.

Do I need to go to a hospital or clinic for this study?

No, this study is entirely home-based. You won't need to visit any hospitals or clinics.

What age do I need to be to join?

You need to be between 12 and 18 years old to be eligible for this study.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect any medical care you currently receive, and you can withdraw at any time.

How to find out more

Whitney Hindmarch, PhD

whitney.hindmarch@ucalgary.ca 587-534-7260 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.