Sex hormone profiles and how muscles respond to exercise
Effect of Different Sex Hormone Profiles for the Response to Physical Training
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aarhus, Jutland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07115849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aarhus, Jutland
- Aarhus University, Department for Public Health — Aarhus, Jutland, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mette Hansen, PhD
- Email: mhan@ph.au.dk
- Phone: +4551666551
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.