Characterizing the role of anandamide in trauma-related hyperarousal during the menopause transition

About This Grant

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that disproportionately affects women, particularly those from underserved populations who face higher rates of trauma exposure. PTSD is associated with trauma-related hyperarousal (TRH), which is characterized by increased psychophysiological hyperarousal, including exacerbated fear-potentiated startle, deficits in fear extinction, and increased skin conductance response to trauma reminders. Despite evidence perimenopausal women exhibit peak PTSD prevalence rates and greater symptom severity compared to younger, reproductive-aged women, the biological mechanisms underlying this increased vulnerability to the psychological consequences of hormonal variation remain unclear. The current study aims to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system, specifically anandamide (AEA), in modulating the severity of TRH during the menopause transition in Black women. The proposed research will test the hypothesis that lower AEA concentrations over the menopause transition will be associated with decreased estradiol concentrations and increased TRH. We will employ a combination of psychological assessments, fear conditioning paradigms, and biological measures to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving TRH exacerbation during perimenopause. The findings from this research have the potential to inform the development of targeted interventions for trauma-exposed women during this critical period of vulnerability. In addition, the F32 fellowship under the guidance of a distinguished mentoring team will provide the applicant with essential training in clinical and translational women's health research, neuroendocrinology, psychophysiology, advanced statistical methods, and scientific communication. This training will be crucial for the applicant's career development as an independent researcher focused on investigating the impact of trauma on women's health across the lifespan, particularly in underserved populations who suffer disproportionately from the adverse health impacts of trauma exposure.