How menstrual-cycle hormone changes affect response to eccentric leg exercise
Official title: Examining the Role of Female Endogenous Sex Hormones in Eccentric Exercise
Run by University of Southern California · NCT05934708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether normal menstrual-cycle changes in estrogen and progesterone change how women feel before and after eccentric leg exercise and how quickly they recover.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05934708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18–35 with BMI 18.5–29.9, regular menstruation, not pregnant, not using hormonal contraception, medically free of chronic disease, and not habitual downhill runners are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are on hormonal contraception, have irregular cycles, are perimenopausal/postmenopausal, pregnant, under 18 or over 35, or have disqualifying medical conditions are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll women with regular menstrual cycles who are not using hormonal contraception and perform controlled eccentric leg-extension exercise sessions at different menstrual phases. Blood samples and muscle-damage measures will be collected alongside self-reported readiness and perceived difficulty ratings before and after exercise. The study will compare inflammatory markers and recovery metrics across phases with higher versus lower estrogen and progesterone levels. In-person testing will take place at a single clinical exercise center and will require timing visits to specific cycle days.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help female exercisers and athletes better time training and recovery around their menstrual-cycle hormone changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has suggested hormones can influence muscle damage and perceived exertion but results are mixed, so this focused approach is relatively novel and aims to clarify inconsistent findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-35 years of age * BMI of 18.5-29.9 as a BMI below or above these cut points results in highly varied menstrual cycle lengths \[15\] * Not taking contraception or other types of medication that could influence reproductive status * Regular menstruation * Non-pregnant * Medically free from chronic diseases * Novel to downhill running * Weight greater than or equal to 110 lbs * Not taking exogenous hormones * Not suffering from known gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity Exclusion Criteria: * Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea * Perimenopausal or menopausal * Recreational or professional trail or downhill runner * On a form of contraception * Cardiac disability * Pacemaker * Arterial disease * Uncontrolled hemorrhage * Blood clots * Pregnant or trying to become pregnant * Cancerous lesions * Sensory or mental impairment * Unstable fractures * Weight less than 110 lbs * Suffering from gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity * Taking exogenous hormones
Where it's running
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Clinical Exercise Research Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Todd Schroeder, PhD
- Email: eschroed@pt.usc.edu
- Phone: 3234422180
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.