Research and Clinical Trials

 

The Colorado Center for Women’s Behavioral Health and Wellness offers opportunities to participate in research and clinical trials on women’s health and mental health. Drs. Neill Epperson and Andrew Novick are committed to conducting research aimed at improving women’s health and wellbeing. Our faculty research interests include:

  • Hormone effects on memory and mood during menopause
  • Effectiveness of the post-partum depression drug Braxanolone
  • Medication to improve cognitive difficulties experienced by women after removal of ovaries
  • How oral contraceptive pills impact reward processing in women
  • Testosterone administration in transmasculine spectrum individuals and the impact on memory and attention

For more information about current or upcoming research studies, please contact us at 303-724-8316 or email us here. 

 

CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES:


Contraceptive Hormone and Reward Measurement (CHARM Study)

 

PI: Dr. Andrew M. Novick, MD PhD

The University of Colorado School of Medicine is examining the effects of hormonal oral contraceptives (OCPs) on brain processes and emotional wellbeing. Knowledge from this research study is important as it will show how oral contraceptives might impact emotional well-being and place certain women at greater risk for neuropsychiatric side-effects. 

 

Study participants will: 

  • Participate in 3 study sessions, one online and two in-person, over the course of 2 months 
  • Complete interviews and questionnaires 
  • Take an FDA approved oral contraceptive medication or placebo for 21 days
  • Undergo 2 brain imaging sessions 
  • Undergo 2 blood draws  
  • Some participants will have the option to participate in the long-term arm of the study where oral contraceptive will be dispensed to them free of charge for 6 months.

 

You may be eligible if you are: 

  • A woman or assigned female at birth 
  • Aged 18 or older
  • Right-handed  
  • Not taking hormonal birth control  
  • Having regular periods  

 

Pre-Screener Link:

https://redcap.link/CHARMStudy

 

Study Coordinator: 

Toni Roitman, MA | tonia.roitman@cuanschutz.edu

ColorAdo ReseArch on Menopause & Early Life Stress Study: Remote Participation (CARAMELS at Home Study)

PI: Christina Metcalf, PhD

 

This study aims to learn more about how early life experiences affect thinking, mood, and stress during the menopause transition.

Study participants will: 

  • Complete five study sessions (all completed virtually from home) over 1-2 months 
  • Complete questionnaires and assessments about mood, stressful life events, and thinking
  • Complete a stress task
  • Undergo collection of hair, saliva, and blood micro-samples 

 

You may be eligible if you are:

  • In late perimenopause or early post-menopause stage
  • Not taking exogenous hormones
  • Not taking steroid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, beta-blocker medications, or certain supplements
  • Not a smoker

 

Pre-Screener Link: https://redcap.link/CARAMELS-At-Home

Study Coordinator: Paul Dormond-Brooks | Caramels-at-home-study@ucdenver.edu

Balanced and Empowered Eating in Diabetes (BEET Diabetes Study)

PI: Phoutdavone “Noy” Phimphasone-Brady, PhD

This study aims to understand and test a 6-session program to reduce eating behaviors and improve comprehensive diabetes care.

Study participants will: 

  • Complete online surveys
  • Participate in an optional 6-sessions behavioral intervention by phone or Zoom
  • Complete two optional phone interviews

You may be eligible if you are:

  • Between 18-65 years old
  • Diagnosed with Type II Diabetes
  • Dealing with eating problems related to diabetes
  • English or Spanish speaking
  • Have a HbA1c ≥ 6.5

Pre-Screener Links:

Study Coordinator: Paul Dormond-Brooks | beetdiabetes@cuanschutz.edu

The Endocrine and Mental Health Study (TEAM Health Study)

PI: Phoutdavone “Noy” Phimphasone-Brady, PhD

This study is seeking to understand the mental health concerns associated with common menstrual and/or metabolic concerns. 

Study participants will:

  • Complete online surveys

You may be eligible if you: 

  • Are between 18-45 years old
  • Were assigned female at birth or identify as an intersex individual who has experienced menstrual periods
  • Experience any of the following (past or present):
    • Hormonal acne
    • Skin problems
    • Menstrual irregularities
    • Unwanted face or body hair
    • And/or excess weight

Pre-Screener Links:

Study Coordinator: Perla Rodriguez, BA, BS | perla.rodriguez@cuanschutz.edu

 

Contact Us

Colorado Center for Women's Behavioral Health and Wellness

13001 E. 17th Place

Aurora, CO 80045

Phone: 303-724-1646