Investigating how obesity affects hormone responses in women

Convergent Mechanisms Underlying Reprometabolic Syndrome in Women and Sheep

Phase 2 Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06686537

This study is testing how obesity affects hormone responses in pre-menopausal women by using estradiol patches and measuring hormone levels over a week.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 38 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06686537 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to explore the impact of obesity on the hormonal response in pre-menopausal women, specifically focusing on the estradiol response at the pituitary and hypothalamus levels. Participants aged 18-40 with regular menstrual cycles will wear estradiol patches for up to 7 days, during which blood samples and urine collections will be conducted to assess luteinizing hormone levels. The study will include a screening period of up to 3 weeks followed by a treatment period of 7-10 days, ensuring participants meet specific health criteria and use reliable contraception. The goal is to understand how obesity influences reproductive hormone dynamics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pre-menopausal women aged 18-40 with regular menstrual cycles and a normal or high BMI.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, a history of venous thromboembolism, or those who smoke may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for infertility in obese women.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success in understanding hormonal responses in obesity, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-38
* Regular menstrual cycles every 25-35 days
* No use of reproductive hormones within the past 3 months
* No use of medications interacting with reproductive hormones
* Agreement to use reliable barrier contraception or to abstain from intercourse for the duration of the study
* Normal thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and lipid profiles
* No more than 4 hours of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week
* No history of chronic disease impacting reproductive hormones
* No contraindications to administration of estradiol
* No history of estrogen dependent cancer
* Negative pregnancy test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has diabetes
* Is a smoker
* History of venous thromboembolism or known thrombophilia

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations

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 Infertility, FemaleObesityInfertilityHypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axispituitary dysfunction
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.