Clinical Research Studies at MGH
Research Studies
We offer a wide variety of research studies, which are described below. If there's a particular study you're interested in, please contact the research coordinator listed in the study description. If you aren't sure which study would be the best match for you but you would like to find out if you are elible to participate in a research study, please contact us via the Contact Us page.
​The Role of Adipose Tissue Distribution in Skeletal Homeostasis and Energy Homeostasis
This study consists of four study visits: a screening visit, a baseline visit, a 6 month visit, and a 1 year visit. At the screening visit, a complete history and physical exam will be performed, a nutritionist will check a height and weight, and we will perform laboratory tests (electrolyte levels, thyroid hormone levels, a blood count) to see if you are eligible to participate in the study. If you are eligible and decide that you would like to participate, you will then come back for the baseline visit. At this visit, we will ask you to come to MGH at 7 in the morning. We will ask you not to eat or drink anything after 12 midnight the night before. At this visit, you will have an MRI performed of your whole body, a bone density scan, and an Xtreme CT scan which will allow us to look at the architecture of your bone, and you will also have your blood drawn and a nutritional evaluation. The same procedures that occur at the baseline visit will also happen at the 6 month and the 1 year visits. If you complete this study you will be reimbursed $500. For more information, please contact Ildiko Gaal at (617) 643-8635 or igaal@partners.org.
IGF-1 and Bone Loss in Women with Anorexia Nervosa
Adult women, ages 18 to 45 years old, with anorexia nervosa or severe weight loss are needed for a research study evaluating the effects of two medications on bone density, structure, and strength in women with anorexia nervosa. The study includes 10 outpatient visits at Massachusetts General Hospital. Participants will receive a physical examination and nutritional and hormonal evaluations. Up to $1000 payment for participation and parking/transportation expenses offered. For more information, please contact Margaret Lederfine Paskal at (617) 724-7129 or mlederfinepaskal@partners.org.
Research Studies on Bone Health and Body Composition
Testosterone Antidepressant Augmentation in Women
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of low-dose testosterone augmentation in women with depression who are currently taking an antidepressant but have not seen an improvement in depression symptoms. This 8-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study is designed to determine whether testosterone augmentation will improve the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy in treating depression, fatigue, and low libido symptoms. This study involves taking a low-dose testosterone or placebo treatment for 8 weeks and requires 6 visits to MGH. Women between the ages of 21 and 75 who are currently taking an antidepressant medication can contact Molly Snell at (617)-726-2764 or at msnell1@partners.org. Compensation up to $400 is available. https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=mgSVxJ
The Role of Appetite-Regulating and Stress Hormones in the Etiology of Anorexia Nervosa
This study involves a one-time visit, involving no treatment. This study investigates the genes potentially involved in the development of anorexia nervosa, in hunger and fullness and in bone loss. We welcome all girls and women, ages 10 and up, who have ever been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The visit takes about 1-2 hours and involves a blood draw, saliva collection, two computerized assessment tasks measuring response inhibition and cognition and some questionnaires. This study can be done in combination with any of the other studies. The compensation is up to $25. For more information about this study, please contact Reitumetse (Tumi) Pulumo at (617) 643-2609 or rpulumo@partners.org.
Relationship Between Growth Hormone and Bone Structure in Overweight Individuals
Researchers are studying the relationship between growth hormone and bone structure and strength in overweight subjects. Participants may be eligible if they are between 18 and 65 years old and do not take medication for osteoporosis or diabetes. The study involves eleven visits over two years and daily study medication for eighteen months. Participants receive compensation up to $4000 and additional travel reimbursement. If interested, please contact Anu Gerweck at (617) 724-1837 or overweight@partners.org. Additionally, you can fill out the short survey below with your information at https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=iLSqdm.
Investigation of Fat Storage in Patients with Acromegaly and Healthy Volunteers
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of acromegaly on fat storage and glucose tolerance. Participants with acromegaly (ages 18-75) have two five-hour study visits before and after treatment. Both visits include blood draws and research scans. Compensation up to $600 and additional travel reimbursement is available. Healthy volutneers (ages 18-79) also have two study visits with blood draws and research scans. Participants may be eligible if they do not have a chronic disease. Compensation up to $300 and additional travel reimbursement is available. If interested, please contact Anu Gerweck at (617) 724-1837 or avgerweck@partners.org.
Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin on Appetite and Caloric Intake in Humans
This research study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the relationship between hormones, brain activity, and appetite. We are enrolling healthy overweight or obese men ages 18-45. The study consists of one screening visit to confirm eligibility and two morning visits which will include questionnaires, blood draws and an MRI scan. Visits will occur at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA and at the Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center in Charlestown, MA. Eligible participants will receive up to $200 for completing the study. Local transportation and parking costs will be reimbursed. In order to be eligible, participants must be able and willing to participate in MRI scans. Please follow the link below to fill out our survey or contact Dean Marengi via email at damarengi@mgh.harvard.edu or by phone at (617) 724-2235 for more information. https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=Gasx5E5VpS
Effects of Medications for the Treatment of Acromegaly on Quality of Life
We are currently conducting a research study investigating the effects of the treatment of acromegaly on quality of life. We are enrolling men and women, ages 18-75, with either active acromegaly or a history of acromegaly successfully treated with with either growth hormone (GH) receptor antagonist or somatostatin analog. The study involves one three hour visit with blood draws and quality of life questionnaires. Participants receive compensation of $100 and additional travel reimbursement. If interested, please contact Anu Gerweck at (617) 724-1837 or avgerweck@partners.org.
Transdermal Estrogen in Older Women with Anorexia Nervosa
The Neuroendocrine Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking women, ages 30-50, with low body weight and low bone density. We are studying the use of hormones as a treatment for bone loss in women with anorexia nervosa. This study includes a screening visit, a baseline visit, and six outpatient visits over the course of six months. Research study participants receive physical examinations, nutritional analyses, hormonal evaluations, blood tests, and bone density scans. Participants will administer the hormones themselves via a patch that sticks to their skin. There is no cost for participation in the study, and participants will receive up to $450 in compensation. Parking and/or public transportation costs will be reimbursed for each visit to MGH. For more information and to find out if you're eligible to participate, please contact Kimberly Skokin at 617-724-5406 or kskokin@partners.org. You can also fill out our confidential preliminary screening questionnaire at https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=GepGJ67UYo.
Oxytocin Deficiency in Hypopituitary Men
This is a pilot study that investigates oxytocin deficiency in men with hypopituitary disorders. We are enrolling men, ages 18-60, who are either healthy or who have hypopituitarism with or without diabetes insipidus. The study includes one screening visit, to confirm eligibility, and one Main Study Visit. The visits include blood draws, bone mineral density, and body composition tests as well as nutritional analyses, surveys, questionnaires, and tasks related to health, feelings, activities, and cognition. Visits occur at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Eligible participants will receive $100 for completing the Main Study Visit with the possibility of earning up to an additional $40 by completing one of the tasks. Subjects will also receive results of the bone density scan. Local transportation and parking costs may be reimbursed. To find out if you are eligible to participate, please follow the secure link to our survey below. For more information, please contact Dean Marengi at (617) 725-2235 or damarengi@mgh.harvard.edu. https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=3jZt5T5hef