Sex hormone profiles and how muscles respond to exercise
Official title: Effect of Different Sex Hormone Profiles for the Response to Physical Training
Run by University of Aarhus · NCT07115849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether different sex hormone profiles (regular periods, a levonorgestrel IUD, or a desogestrel mini‑pill) change how women's muscles, fat, and tendons respond to a 4‑month exercise program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aarhus, Jutland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07115849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with regular menstrual cycles or using a levonorgestrel IUD or a desogestrel mini‑pill who have BMI 19–25, do not smoke, are not pregnant, and currently train two times per week or less would be ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant, smoke, have BMI outside 19–25, already train more than twice weekly, or take medications that affect muscle or metabolism are unlikely to match the study population and may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study follows three groups of women with different sex hormone profiles—regular menstrual bleeding, levonorgestrel IUD users, and desogestrel mini‑pill users—through a 4‑month supervised physical training program with testing before, at two months, and after training. Researchers will measure body composition, aerobic capacity, strength and muscle function, dietary intake and activity levels, and collect blood, urine, muscle and adipose tissue samples. The design is prospective and parallel-group with standardized training and repeated physiological measurements to compare adaptability of muscle mass and secondary effects on adipose tissue and tendons. The trial is conducted at Aarhus University and includes screening criteria such as BMI 19–25, non-smoking, not pregnant, and low baseline training frequency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor exercise and health advice for women using different progestin contraceptives to improve muscle and metabolic outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies on combined hormonal contraceptives and exercise adaptations report mixed results, and specific data on levonorgestrel IUDs and desogestrel mini‑pills are limited, so this approach addresses a relatively understudied area.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 19-25 Exclusion Criteria: * Training more than 2 times per week * Smoking * Pregnancy * Taking any medications known to affect the outcome parameters
Where it's running
-
Aarhus University, Department for Public Health
Aarhus, Jutland, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mette Hansen, PhD
- Email: mhan@ph.au.dk
- Phone: +4551666551
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Investigating quality of life with different hormonal contraceptives in women
This study tests how different types of hormonal birth control affect mood and sexual health in women to see which options might improve their overall quality of life.
-
Hormonal intervention to prevent injuries in military personnel during training
This study is testing whether hormone therapy can help military personnel train better and avoid injuries during tough training sessions.
-
Investigating the effects of oxytocin on reward processing in women
This study is testing how oxytocin affects how women respond to rewards and their metabolism, looking at different groups based on their hormonal status.
-
Inhaled methoxyflurane for pain during IUD insertion and endometrial biopsy.
This trial will test whether inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox) reduces pain during IUD insertion or endometrial biopsy in adults aged 18–65.
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.