Overview
The goal of this study is to learn how long-term use of estrogen affects blood vessels in healthy adults who were assigned male at birth.
Participants will:
- give one blood draw of 5 mL
- have a camera placed under the tongue to take pictures of blood vessels
- have 2 laser Doppler microdialysis catheters placed on the forearm to monitor blood vessels before and after local drug infusion
Researchers will compare blood vessel function of those who take estrogen supplements to those who do not.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18-60 years
- Identify as assigned male at birth (AMAB) +/- continuous estrogen treatment for a minimum of 1 year.
- Blood pressure <140/ < 90 mmHg
- No more than 1 cardiovascular risk factor
Exclusion Criteria:
- BMI >35
- Medications that could alter cardiovascular control
- Rash, skin disease, or pigmentation disorders
- Anemia
- Kidney Disease
- Known skin allergies
- Smoking or tobacco use within last 6 months
- Coronary Artery Disease
- > 1 cardiovascular risk factor
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hyperlipidemia
- Bleeding disorders
- Use of anti-coagulants
- Allergies to study drugs
- Erectile dysfunction medication in the past 6 months
- Use of topical/non-topical steroids in last 6 months
- Internal mouth sores