MGH Study for Female Athletes

Study participation is a unique opportunity for students to assist with research. This 12-week research study aims to establish if replacing estrogen will improve mental flexibility and reward responsiveness. The study comprises 4 visits for which participants are compensated up to $500. Additionally, they will receive reimbursement for parking/public transportation costs.

In this study, females who are not getting regular periods will receive replacement doses of estrogen via a patch or receive a placebo patch. Participants will complete MRI scans, interviews about mental health and eating behaviors, simple computer tasks, and questionnaires.

Eligibility criteria include the following:

  • Female between the ages of 16 and 26 years
  • Exhibits restrictive eating patterns (i.e. skips meals, limits calorie intake, avoids certain foods) and/or is an athlete
  • Has missed more than 2 menstrual periods in the last 6 months
  • Is of low or normal weight.

REACT ELIGIBILITY SURVEY Any interested athletes can contact Meghan Slattery, FNP at 617-643-0267 or anereact@mgh.harvard.edu.