Actively Recruiting
Autonomic Regulation of Blood Pressure in Premature and Early Menopausal Women
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2026-01-08
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how premature or early menopause affects the autonomic regulation of blood pressure (BP) in women. The study focuses on younger women aged 49 or below and older women aged 50 or above, aiming to understand mechanisms causing autonomic dysregulation of BP related to menopause. The study compares premature and early menopausal women to age-matched premenopausal or typical-age menopausal women to explore differences in sympathetic nerve activity and baroreflex sensitivity. The study involves diagnostic tests including microneurography to measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), baroreflex sensitivity testing during resting conditions and stress maneuvers, and sympathoexcitatory maneuvers such as the Cold Pressor Test and a fatiguing arm contraction with post-exercise circulatory occlusion. Blood samples will also be collected to measure hormone levels like estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Participants are grouped by menopausal status and age to compare autonomic responses. Participants will undergo assessments lasting about three hours that include monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, sympathetic nerve activity, baroreflex function, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, perceived exertion, and pain. Blood tests will take approximately 75 minutes. The study will assess responses at rest and during stress to understand BP regulation. Safety and health history are considered during eligibility screening, and the total involvement includes these detailed physiological and hormonal evaluations.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Autonomic Regulation of Blood Pressure in Premature and Early Menopausal Women
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women aged 35 to 49 years who are premenopausal
- Women aged 35 to 49 years who experienced premature (under 40) or early (up to 45) menopause
- Women aged 50 to 70 years who experienced premature or early menopause
- Women aged 50 to 70 years who experienced menopause at a typical age (after 45)
- Menopause confirmed by no menstrual periods for 12 months and serum FSH over 30 mIU/mL
You will not qualify if you...
- Current nicotine or tobacco use within the past six months
- Diagnosis of diabetes or asthma
- Significant carotid artery narrowing
- History of serious autonomic dysfunction, heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, or brain injury
- Existing metabolic or endocrine disorders
- Use of heart or blood pressure medications that affect study results
- Premenopausal women currently taking oral contraceptives or steroids affecting outcomes
- Women with premature or early menopause unwilling to stop oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 3 hours
Participants undergo diagnostic tests including microneurography to measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity, baroreflex sensitivity testing, sympathoexcitatory maneuvers such as Cold Pressor Test and upper extremity fatiguing contraction with post exercise circulatory occlusion, and blood tests for hormone levels.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 3 hours on study day
Participants are observed for autonomic regulation and blood pressure responses over time to understand mechanisms driving autonomic dysregulation in different menopausal groups.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Manda Keller-Ross, PhD, DPT, PT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
4
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