Effects of the menstrual cycle on the eye's posterior segment

Physiologic Changes of Posterior Ocular Segment During the Menstrual Cycle

Not applicable Interventional Khon Kaen University · NCT04731207

This study is testing how changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle affect the eyes, specifically looking at the blood vessels and thickness in the back part of the eye.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment39 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorKhon Kaen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Khon Kaen)
Trial IDNCT04731207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect the posterior ocular segment, particularly focusing on retinal vascular density and choroidal thickness using advanced optical coherence tomography techniques. It aims to fill the gap in existing literature regarding the impact of the menstrual cycle on ocular physiology, as previous studies have shown mixed results. By analyzing changes in the eye's structure throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle, the study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of these physiological changes. Participants will undergo imaging with the Optovue® system to assess these variations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy females aged 25-40 with a normal body mass index and regular menstrual cycles.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have a history of significant ocular or systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how hormonal changes affect eye health, potentially leading to better management of ocular conditions in women.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ocular changes during the menstrual cycle, this specific focus on retinal vascular density using OCTA is novel and has not been previously published.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female with age 25-40 yr
* Normal body mass index (18.5-24.9)
* Regular menstrual cycle (28-32 days)
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Lactating women
* Having childbirth or miscarriage within 6 months
* Systemic diseases which need taking the regular medication
* History of ocular disease such as glaucoma, retinal vascular diseases and macular disease
* History of hormonal taking such as oral contraceptive pills within 6 months
* History of intraocular laser and intraocular surgery
* Refractive error; spherical equivalent \>4 diopters
* Can not taking the images by Optovue® such as spine diseases

Withdrawal criteria

* Pregnancy detection during the study period
* Receiving sex hormone during the study period such as emergency contraceptive pills

Where this trial is running

Khon Kaen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Retinal Vascularretinal vascular densitychoroidal thicknessoptic nerve headoptical coherence tomographyoptical coherence tomography angiographymenstrual cycle
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.