Shreya’s research focuses on understanding and mitigating the side effects of aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment in estrogen-receptor-dependent (ER+) breast cancer, particularly the severe menopause-like symptoms. AIs such as Letrozole are effective treatments for breast cancer but can cause issues such as insomnia, hot flashes, depression, and cognitive deficits, causing some women to stop this treatment. The aim is to investigate whether DHED, a compound converting to estrogen only in the brain, can alleviate these symptoms and improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients.

Her Honors thesis focuses on the impact of sleep fragmentation on spatial working memory in patients using Letrozole and DHED. Spatial working memory, which crucial for remembering location-based information, tends to decline with long-term AI use due to estrogen reduction in the brain. This affects not only breast cancer patients but also those experiencing severe perimenopausal symptoms and individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The goal is to determine if DHED can serve as a safe and effective hormonal therapy for these populations.