Estrogen status and muscle health in aging women before and after menopause

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

HER-MUSCLE is an observational study comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal women to understand how estrogen affects skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. The project includes molecular analysis of muscle tissue and in vivo assessment of mitochondrial function using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to see how estrogen may influence recovery and fatigue resistance after muscle activity. Participants are women over 47 with regular cycles or recent menopause; the study excludes those with conditions or activities that could confound results. Data from preliminary work suggest estrogen may promote muscle protein synthesis, informing potential strategies to manage sarcopenia in postmenopausal women.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Regular menstrual bleeding (21-35 days cycle).
* At least 9 menstrual cycles the last year
* Age \>47 years old
* BMI 20-30

Exclusion Criteria:

* Only premenopausal women: Follicular stimulating hormone \> 30 mmol/L
* Systematic strength training during the last year (\> 1 strength training session per week)
* Systematic high intensity cardiovascular training during the last year (\<2 times per week)
* Injuries to the legs which may prevent participation in the physical training program
* Magnetizable metals or electrical devices implanted in the body, such as a pacemaker
* Use of medication that can influence the effect of immobilization and/or training
* Muscular or joint disorders which may affect the results
* Metabolic diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases)
* Previous or present liver or cancer disease
* Current or previous thrombosis
* Porphyria
* Epilepsia
* Systemic autoimmune disease
* Edema
* Smoking or use of other nicotine containing products
* Claustrophobia
* Addictive behavior, defined as abuse of cannabis, opioids, or other intoxicating substances.
* Lack of ability to cooperate
* Blood parameters out of normal range at the health check
* Blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg

Where it's running

• Aarhus University
  Aarhus, Denmark Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mette Hansen, PhD — Aarhus University, Department of Public Health
• Study coordinator: Mette Hansen, PhD
• Email: mhan@ph.au.dk
• Phone: +4551666551

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.