How the menstrual cycle affects immune responses and recovery after exercise in women

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

This observational study investigates the impact of the menstrual cycle on immune cell activity and recovery following resistance exercise in healthy women aged 18-40. Participants will engage in resistance training during three distinct phases of their menstrual cycle: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal. Blood samples will be collected to evaluate immune cell activation and muscle damage, while participants will also track their sleep, mood, and recovery through questionnaires and accelerometers. The study aims to determine if variations in immune responses and recovery outcomes are influenced by the menstrual cycle.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Women between the ages of 18 and 40.
* Must weigh at least 110 pounds.
* Healthy as determined by medical history, physical activity readiness, and menstrual cycle questionnaires.
* Actively resistance training for at least 6 months (minimum of 3 resistance training sessions per week, with at least one lower body session).
* Pre-menopausal and have a regular menstrual cycle (eumenorrheic), with a clear start of menses (early follicular phase).
* Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
* Have not used hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices in the past 3 months (or three full menstrual cycles).
* Able to recall approximate start dates of their last 6 menstrual cycles.
* Willing to follow study instructions, including avoiding exercise, alcohol, and caffeine before testing visits.
* Free from previous or current lower body injuries that could limit performance.
* Not regularly taking any medications that could interfere with the study.
* Determined to have a high likelihood of successful blood draws by a certified phlebotomist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Do not give consent to participate.
* Have been determined unfit to participate based on medical or activity history (using health questionnaires).
* Currently take prescription or over-the-counter medication that could affect the study results.
* Have a chronic illness requiring medical care.
* Not currently resistance-trained (don't meet the exercise requirement).
* Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
* Do not have regular periods or have been diagnosed as amenorrhoeic (absence of menstruation).
* Currently taking any performance-enhancing drugs.
* Currently using hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices (IUDs), or have used them in the past three months (or three full menstrual cycles).
* Determined unlikely to have a successful blood draw by a trained phlebotomist.
* Weigh less than 110 pounds.

Where it's running

• University of Central Florida
  Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jessica M Moon
• Email: jessica.moon@ucf.edu
• Phone: 407-823-0623

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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.