Effect of high altitude on acute mountain sickness in women during their menstrual cycle
HighCycle Study: Effect of High Altitude on Acute Mountain Sickness in Women Related to Their Menstrual Cycle Phase: A Prospective Cohort Study at 3600 m
This study looks at how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect the chances of healthy women getting acute mountain sickness when they travel to high altitudes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 44 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bishkek, Bishkek) |
| Trial ID | NCT06499714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how the phase of the menstrual cycle affects the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in healthy women traveling to an altitude of 3600 meters. The study will involve a prospective cohort of women aged 18-44 who are premenopausal and have regular menstrual cycles. Participants will be monitored for symptoms of AMS after exposure to high altitude, allowing researchers to assess the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and AMS incidence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy, non-smoking women aged 18-44 who live at low altitudes and have regular menstrual cycles.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or using hormonal contraceptives other than oral contraceptives may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how menstrual cycle phases influence susceptibility to acute mountain sickness, potentially leading to better prevention strategies for women.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on acute mountain sickness exist, this specific focus on menstrual cycle phases in women at high altitude is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy, non-smoking women, age 18-44 years, without any disease and need of regular medication (including oral contraceptives). * BMI \>18 kg/m2 and \<30 kg/m2 * Born, raised and currently living at altitudes \<1000 m * Written informed consent * Premenopausal, eumenorrheic cycle Exclusion Criteria: * Other types of contraceptives (hormonal intrauterine device, vaginal ring, subcutaneous injections or implants, among others) * Pregnancy or nursing * Anaemic (haemoglobin concentration \<10g/dl) * Any altitude trip \<4 weks before the study * Allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides
Where this trial is running
Bishkek, Bishkek
- National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine — Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael Furian, Prof. Dr.
- Email: michael.furian@usz.ch
- Phone: +41794037586
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.