How estrogen and meal timing affect metabolism in women and mice

Circadian Regulation of Metabolic Risk in Mice and Women: Role of Estrogen and Time-Restricted Feeding

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11017837

This study is looking at how estrogen and our body’s natural sleep-wake cycles affect health, especially for women after menopause, and it aims to find ways to improve metabolism by syncing eating habits with our biological clock to help prevent issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11017837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how estrogen levels and circadian rhythms influence metabolic health, particularly in women after menopause. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which estrogen protects against obesity-related disorders and how disruptions in circadian rhythms can lead to increased risks of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The study will involve testing interventions that align eating patterns with the body's natural biological clock to improve metabolic outcomes. By focusing on both animal models and human subjects, the research seeks to provide insights into effective strategies for managing metabolic health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include postmenopausal women who are at risk for metabolic syndrome or heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are premenopausal or do not have metabolic health concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary and lifestyle recommendations that improve metabolic health for women, particularly those who are postmenopausal.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of circadian rhythms in metabolism, but this specific focus on estrogen in women is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.