Actively Recruiting
Female Sex Hormone and Menopause Effects on Cortico-reticular Functioning
Led by University of Jyvaskyla · Updated on 2026-05-01
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect brain and muscle function in post-menopausal women. This study aims to compare brain activity and muscle strength during periods of low and high hormone levels. The research focuses on understanding the role these hormones play in nerve pathways and muscle force, recruiting women who plan to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Participants will begin combined hormone replacement therapy and be tested before starting, after two months, and after five months of treatment. Between the two- and five-month tests, they are offered a 12-week voluntary exercise program involving strength and endurance training four times a week. The study tracks how well participants follow this exercise plan and examines changes linked to hormone levels and physical activity. During the study, women will visit the laboratory for early morning sessions after fasting, where they will undergo various tests including strength performance, brain function, body composition, metabolism rate, and vascular health. Blood tests will confirm hormone levels. Researchers will measure changes in brain inhibition, muscle activation, resting metabolic rate, and vascular function from baseline to months two and five. The total study period includes baseline assessment, hormone therapy with or without exercise, and follow-up testing to monitor outcomes and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Menopause Effects on Cortico-reticular Functioning
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- At least 6 months since last menstrual period but no more than 5 years post-menopausal
- Basal follicular-stimulating hormone concentration greater than 30 IU/L (confirmed post-recruitment)
- Willing to start combined hormonal treatment
- Womb and ovaries intact with normal function throughout reproductive age
- Willing to provide informed consent
- No exclusion criteria for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measurements according to Rossi et al. 2021 (e.g., no arterial hypertension, no history of heart attack or seizure, no migraine, no pacemaker or cochlear implant or other implanted metal/electronic device)
You will not qualify if you...
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2 (excessive obesity)
- Use of intra-uterine device during transition to menopause
- Cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease preventing strenuous physical activity
- Current smoker
- Diagnosed psychiatric illness
- Epilepsy
- Other diagnosed injuries or illnesses affecting the neuromuscular system
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 - 1 day
Participants visit the laboratory for initial neurophysiological tests and baseline measurements before starting hormone replacement therapy.
1 baseline visit (in-person) conducted in the morning following an overnight fast
Duration - 5 months
Participants begin combined hormone replacement therapy and voluntarily perform a 12-week non-supervised physical training program consisting of strength and endurance exercises.
2 follow-up visits at 2 months and 5 months after starting treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä, Finland, 40014
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Simon Walker Dr (Dos.), PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here