The teenage years! Times that sit between childhood and adulthood of amazing and sometimes miserable changes and growth. Between the first period and the 20s is a time of women’s incredible, and important body growth, plus the key maturation of moods and social connections. Hormones made by the ovary (estrogen and progesterone) are known to cause many of the body’s amazing changes in the process of becoming “grown up.” It is not clear, however, the roles that sex hormones may play in the processes of “growing up” emotionally and socially.
The UBC Social Health Lab, in collaboration Dr. Jerilynn Prior and the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation (CeMCOR, www.cemcor.ca) is inviting young women between the ages of 13-15 years to join this important three year study. This study is funded by the Canadian government (CIHR) to examine if and how sex hormones affect emotions, social behaviours, and mental health throughout the teenage years. We are interested in the effects of sex hormones from the ovary and also in those from contraceptives such as the birth control pill (or patch or vaginal ring).
This study asks teenage women to come with one of their parents to 6 lab sessions at UBC across 3 years. (Note that no one will be drawing blood—saliva samples will be used to measure hormone levels). Participating families’ expenses will be compensated by $30.00 for each completed lab session (up to $180 in total).
Young women will learn exciting new things about themselves. Together all teen and parental participants will contribute to understanding how parents and the community can support adolescent women to become healthy and happy young adults.
For more information about who we’re inviting click here or e-mail us (teenstudy@psych.ubc.ca) or leave us a voicemail: (604) 822-9557.
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