Actively Recruiting
Hot Flashes and Neurovascular Function in Women
Led by Mayo Clinic · Updated on 2025-06-03
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the relationship between hot flashes and neurovascular function in women, focusing on how these symptoms may be linked to higher risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The study aims to improve understanding of how neurovascular control mechanisms contribute to health issues in women experiencing hot flashes. This research is supported by the Mayo Clinic and involves healthy female volunteers aged 40 to 60 years. Participants will first have their hot flash frequency assessed during a screening period. They may then choose to take part in one or both study visits: Protocol 1 focuses on microvascular function, and Protocol 2 on autonomic function. Various drugs, including Sodium Nitroprusside, Acetylcholine, Terbutaline, and Norepinephrine, will be infused through a brachial artery catheter at specific doses to evaluate vascular responses. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity will be continuously monitored during rest and in response to stressors like the Valsalva maneuver, handgrip exercise, cold pressor test, and stepped hypercapnia. During the study visits, participants will undergo continuous measurements of vascular conductance and muscle sympathetic nerve activity to compare women with low and high frequency hot flashes. These evaluations include approximately 60 minutes of vascular measurements during drug infusions and about 75 minutes of nerve activity recording. The study carefully monitors cardiovascular function without any planned masking or blinding. Participation may last through the screening and up to two study visits, with detailed physiological assessments to better understand neurovascular health in menopausal women.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Hot Flashes and Neurovascular Function in Women
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female participants aged 40 to 60 years
- Non-smokers
- Non-obese
- Have at least one ovary
- Free from cardiovascular disease
- Not taking medications influencing cardiovascular function
You will not qualify if you...
- None
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 - ~60 minutes
Participants undergo continuous measurement of vascular conductance during infusion of various drugs through a brachial artery catheter to assess microvascular function.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - ~75 minutes
Participants undergo continuous measurement of muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest and in response to sympathoexcitatory stressors including a Valsalva maneuver, isometric handgrip exercise, a cold pressor test, and stepped hypercapnia.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Pamela A Engrav
N
Nancy J Meyer
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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