Sex hormones, menopause, and exercise in aging women
Official title: Hormone-Related Mechanisms of Neuromuscular Aging and Exercise Adaptation
Run by University of Michigan · NCT07848438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how hormonal status and resistance training affect age-related muscle and nerve function in postmenopausal women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2031 |
| Study ends | August 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07848438 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Postmenopausal women who have not used hormonal therapy and postmenopausal women who have been prescribed hormonal therapy by their physician.
✕Probably not a fit
Women who are currently pregnant, have BMI over 45, untreated thyroid disease, uncontrolled hypertension, certain neurological or cardiovascular conditions, or are on medications affecting cortical excitability may not benefit or participate.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial compares postmenopausal women who are not on hormonal therapy to those who are, to see how sex hormones influence neuromuscular function and fatigue. After baseline testing, participants will undergo an 8-week high-resistance training program to observe differences in how hormones and aging affect training adaptations. The study is conducted at the University of Michigan with two parallel groups of 60 women each, focusing on neural and muscular drivers of strength and fatigue. Primary aims examine baseline neuromuscular differences and subsequent training adaptations related to hormone therapy status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify how hormone therapy interacts with exercise to maintain or improve neuromuscular health in aging women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests hormones influence neuromuscular function, but this study directly compares HT status with structured resistance training in an aging female population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria: * Females who are pregnant or likely to be pregnant. Female subjects of childbearing age will be asked of the possibility of pregnancy and will be excluded from the study if they are pregnant or become pregnant during the study. * Females who are not currently taking HT but have taken HT in the past 5 years. * Severe obesity (body mass index, BMI, \> 45 kg/m2): this will be calculated from measured height and weight * Untreated hypothyroidism * Uncontrolled blood pressure (\>160/100 mmHg at rest) * Epilepsy or increased risk of seizures * Metal implants in the body, excluding the mouth * Head injury in the past 6 months * People who are taking any of the following medications: Medications that affect cortical excitability, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in the past 24 hours or chronic use of NSAIDs, Beta blockers or any other heart rate stabilizing medications, Any neurological, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease that precludes exercise testing
Where it's running
-
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sandra Hunter, PhD
- Email: sandrahu@umich.edu
- Phone: (734) 647-9819
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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.