What is this study trying to find out about contraception and iron status?

This study is evaluating how long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) affect iron levels and the body's responses to extreme environments like heat, cold, and high altitude in women. Researchers want to understand physiological changes and iron status differences between women using LARCs and those using short-acting contraceptives. The study is sponsored by the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.

Who may be eligible for this contraception and iron status clinical trial?

Women aged 18 to 40 years who have been using either monophasic oral contraceptives or implantable contraceptives for at least one year may be eligible. Participants should be healthy, physically active, and willing to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise before testing. Only female volunteers can join. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this contraception and iron status clinical trial?

Study-related care, including testing and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and related expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any costs associated with attending study visits.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 40Years

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

ID06909695

Effects of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives on Iron Levels and Body Responses to Heat, Cold, and High Altitude in Women Aged 18 to 40

Led by United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine · Updated on 2026-04-30

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how long-acting reversible contraceptives LARCs, such as implants and intrauterine devices, affect iron levels and how womens bodies respond to extreme environments like heat, cold, and high altitude. The study focuses on female military personnel and civilians aged 18 to 40 years. It aims to understand if using LARCs influences physiological reactions, such as sweating, skin blood flow, breathing, and heart rate, and to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in women using these contraceptives compared to those using short-acting methods like oral contraceptives.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Influences of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives on Iron Status and Physiological Responses to Extreme Environments in Women

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 40Years

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Female, aged 18 to 40 years
Using monophasic oral contraceptives or implantable contraception (IUD, implant) for at least one year
At least one year removed from contraceptive removal endpoint
In good health as determined by medical oversight
Passed most recent Army Combat Fitness Test or exercises at least twice weekly
Willing to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
Willing to avoid caffeine for 12 hours before testing
Willing to refrain from moderate to strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to testing
Willing to stay and exercise in an altitude chamber for about 6 hours
Has supervisor approval if a federal civilian employee or non-HRV active-duty military personnel stationed at NSSC

You will not qualify if you...

Pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Taking medications or supplements other than contraceptives without approval
Tobacco or nicotine user within last 4 months
Physical injuries affecting treadmill walking or running
Allergy to skin adhesive
Heart, lung, kidney, muscle, endocrine, or nerve disorders
History of heat or orthostatic intolerance
Diagnosed or treated for fluid/electrolyte imbalance in last 30 days
History of gastrointestinal obstructive diseases
Scheduled MRI within 2 weeks after heat or cold test
Actively dieting to lose weight
History of cold injuries or Raynaud's syndrome
Cold-induced asthma or bronchospasm
Unwilling to have small skin areas shaved if needed
Born at altitudes above 2,100 m
Living or traveled to altitudes above 1,200 m recently
Prior diagnosis of high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema
Abnormal blood counts or blood chemistry
History of pneumothorax or hypertension
Blood donation within 8 weeks before study
Recent or expected prolonged immobility
Evidence of sleep disorders like apnea or narcolepsy

Research Team

Gabrielle E Giersch, PhD

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Effects of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives on Iron Levels and Body Responses to Heat, Cold, and High Altitude in Women Aged 18 to 40

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Brief Title

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria

Research Team

Not the Right Trial for You?

On this page

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria