Moderate aerobic exercise to manage menstrual symptoms
Impact of Moderate Aerobic Exercise on Menstrual Cycle Symptoms in Sedentary Women
This program will test whether a plan of moderate aerobic exercise can reduce physical and emotional menstrual symptoms in sedentary women who do or do not use hormonal birth control.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Colorado Springs, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT07084714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll premenopausal, sedentary women who report menstrual symptoms and either have used combined oral contraceptives for at least six months or have not used hormonal contraception for at least six months. Participants will follow a moderate aerobic exercise intervention while reporting daily symptoms using the Menstrual Symptom Index, and body composition will be measured by DXA before and after the program. The study compares changes in physical and psychological symptom burden between hormonal contraceptive users and non-users to determine if contraceptive status modifies the effect of exercise. Primary outcomes include symptom score changes and body composition shifts associated with the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Premenopausal sedentary women with regular menstrual cycles (every 21–35 days) who report menstrual symptoms and either have used combined oral contraceptives for at least six months or have not used hormonal contraception for at least six months.
Not a fit: Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, have diabetes, cardiovascular, or renal disease, are already physically active, or cannot safely perform moderate exercise are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a non-drug option to reduce menstrual pain and other cycle-related symptoms for sedentary women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown that regular aerobic activity can reduce menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms in some women, so this approach builds on existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * premenopausal (defined as having regular menstrual periods every 21-35 days) * either not using hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptives (i.e., intrauterine device) for the past 6 months OR using combined oral contraceptives (i.e., those that contain progesterone and estrogen) for at least the past 6 months * not currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant * sedentary lifestyle (score of "low activity/inactive" assessed using the IPAQ) * have self reported menstrual cycle symptoms (symptoms reported on the PSST or MSi) * do not have a medical diagnosis or signs/symptoms of diabetes, cardiovascular, or renal disease and are able to participate in moderate intensity physical activity without physician clearance Exclusion Criteria: * becoming physically active defined as scoring higher than "low activity/inactive" on the IPAQ during the first month of the study * non compliance with instructions provided for the moderate aerobic exercise intervention (i.e., not adhering to predetermined intensity heart rate targets) or miss more than 25% of exercise sessions in either intervention month * becoming pregnant during enrollment * being diagnosed with a cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease that would require physical clearance to participate in moderate intensity aerobic physical activity * begin using hormonal or non-hormonal (i.e., intrauterine devices) contraceptives if assigned to the arm not using hormonal contraceptives * either begin a different type of contraceptive or discontinue combined hormonal contraceptive use if assigned to the hormonal contraceptive arm
Where this trial is running
Colorado Springs, Colorado
- William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center — Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marissa Baranauskas, PhD
- Email: mbaranau@uccs.edu
- Phone: 719-255-4475
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.