Menstrual cycle effects on TMS-induced brain plasticity
Official title: Pilot Study on Menstrual Cycle-Related Hormonal Effects on Motor Cortex Plasticity Assessed by TMS in Healthy Young Adults
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT07180654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This protocol will test whether menstrual cycle phase changes how the motor cortex responds to transcranial magnetic stimulation in healthy adults aged 20–40 and will compare responses between men and women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07180654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 20–40 who can give informed consent, with female participants having regular menstrual cycles and not using hormonal medications, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a history of seizures, epilepsy, other conditions that increase TMS risk, non-English speakers as enrolled, or those outside the age or hormonal-status criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational pilot enrolls healthy men and women aged 20–40 and uses repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) visits to measure motor cortex excitability and plasticity. Female participants must have regular menstrual cycles and not be taking hormonal medications; they will use take-home urine tests for estradiol/LH and complete cycle tracking in REDCap. Participants undergo four visits over about 1–2 months with blood draws and TMS procedures including motor thresholding, single-pulse, and paired-pulse protocols to quantify cortical responses. The study compares plasticity measures across menstrual time points and between sexes and correlates TMS responses with serum and urine hormone levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help tailor timing or dosing of brain stimulation therapies by sex and menstrual phase to improve effectiveness and safety.
How similar studies have gone: Prior TMS research has shown that hormonal state and menstrual phase can alter cortical excitability, but findings are mixed and sex-comparative hormonal correlation data remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to give their consent * If female, must have menstrual cycles of normal frequency, regularity, and duration. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Any medical condition that increases risk for TMS * History of seizure * History of epilepsy * Increased risk of seizure for any reason
Where it's running
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicholas Balderston, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Nicholas Balderston, PhD
- Email: nicholas.balderston@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 12157463058
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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.