Impact of early menopause on blood pressure regulation in women

Autonomic Regulation of Blood Pressure in Premature and Early Menopausal Women

Observational University of Minnesota · NCT04439370

This study is trying to see how early menopause affects blood pressure control in women aged 35 to 70 by comparing those who went through menopause early with those who haven’t.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages35 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04439370 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how premature and early menopause affects blood pressure regulation in women aged 35 to 70. It aims to identify the mechanisms behind autonomic dysregulation of blood pressure by comparing younger women who have experienced early menopause with age-matched premenopausal women, as well as older women who have been menopausal for over ten years with those who entered menopause at a typical age. The study employs microneurography to measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity, baroreflex sensitivity testing, and other assessments to explore these relationships.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include women aged 35-49 who have experienced premature menopause or women aged 50-70 who have undergone early menopause.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using tobacco, have diabetes, asthma, or significant cardiovascular or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of blood pressure issues in women experiencing early menopause.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, this specific approach to studying the effects of early menopause on blood pressure regulation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 35-49 or 50-70 years of age who experienced premature (\<40) or early (≤45) menopause
* Premenopausal 35-49 years of age
* Typical-age menopause (i.e., after 45 years of age), who are between 50-70 years old
* Menopause will be confirmed by subject report of amenorrhea for 12 months and serum FSH of \>30 mIU/mL

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current nicotine/tobacco use within the past six months
* Are diabetic or asthmatic
* Have diagnosed significant carotid stenosis
* Have a history of significant autonomic dysfunction, heart disease, respiratory disease or a severe neurologic condition such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.
* Have existing metabolic or endocrine abnormities
* Take any heart/blood pressure medications that are determined to interfere with study outcomes
* IF the participant is premenopausal AND currently taking OC or other exogenous steroids that are determined to interfere with study outcomes
* Females who classify as having early or premature menopause AND are not willing to discontinue OC or MHT in order to complete the study
* Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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 HypertensionMenopause, PrematureMenopauseBlood Pressure
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.