Understanding how appetite and diet change during the menstrual cycle
Appetite and Energy Balance Parameters Across the Menstrual Cycle
This study looks at how healthy women aged 18-35 experience changes in their appetite and eating habits during different phases of their menstrual cycle.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 23 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06327087 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study examines how dietary intake and appetite fluctuate across the menstrual cycle in healthy pre-menopausal women aged 18-35. It will measure various factors including energy expenditure, body composition, and physical activity during two distinct phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular and luteal phases. Participants will undergo laboratory assessments and provide data on their usual dietary habits, while also being monitored for hormonal changes and premenstrual symptoms. The goal is to better understand the relationship between these physiological and behavioral parameters and their impact on food intake.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy, pre-menopausal women aged 18-35 with regular menstrual cycles and a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have major comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how menstrual cycle phases affect appetite and dietary habits, potentially leading to tailored dietary recommendations for women.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored dietary intake across the menstrual cycle, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive analysis by integrating multiple aspects of energy balance, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex * Age: 18 - 35 years * Nulliparous * Body mass index (BMI): 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2 * Premenopausal, with regular menstrual cycle (every 21-38 days, by self-report) * Sedentary or recreationally active, defined as: \<300 minutes per week of voluntary exercise at moderate intensity or greater over the past 12 weeks * Not currently pregnant or lactating, not planning to become pregnant in the next 12 weeks * Ability and willingness to fast for 12 hours before each study day visit * If applicable: * For people who occasionally (i.e., \<1x/day) use cannabis (including cannabidiol-based products): ability and willingness to abstain from cannabis for two days prior to each study day visit, the day of each study visit, and during each ad libitum diet phase. * For people who use cannabis daily: ability and willingness to continue to use the exact same amount of cannabis as they normally use for two days prior to each study day visit, the day of each study visit, and during each ad libitum diet phase. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or previous major comorbidities, by self-report, including: * Cardiovascular diseases * Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) * Cancer * Thyroid diseases * Human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B or C * Renal diseases * Hepatic diseases * Polycystic ovary syndrome * Uncontrolled/untreated (self-report): * Hypertension (or measured diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mm HG or systolic blood pressure \> 160 mm HG) * Dyslipidemia * Sleep disorders * Any other condition that may affect appetite and energy balance * Currently or in the past six months: * Use of oral contraceptive pills, or any other hormone-related birth control * Progestin-releasing intrauterine device * Use of any hormone therapy/medication ( except medication for thyroid conditions, that has not been altered for \>6 months) * Use of regular medication that may affect appetite, energy balance, or sleep * Regular use of tobacco or nicotine products * Starting any new prescription medication within two weeks of the first study day visit or during the study * If applicable, inability to abstain from supplements or herbal products that may impact sex hormones (e.g., chastetree, phytoestrogens, calcium d glucarate, soy isoflavones, maca, black cohosh, red raspberry, etc.) for two weeks prior to the first study day visit and until the second study day visit and free-living assessments are completed. * Working night shifts or traveling across more than 2 time zones within two weeks of and throughout the study * Food intolerances or allergies that cannot be accommodated * History of surgical procedure for weight loss at any time (e.g. gastroplasty, gastric bypass, gastrectomy or partial gastrectomy, adjustable banding, gastric sleeve); history of extensive bowel resection for other reasons * Current alcohol or substance abuse (score \>1 on the cut down-annoyed-guilty-eye opener \[CAGE\] questionnaire) * Current or past history of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder (self-report or score \>20 on the Eating Attitudes Test - 26 \[EATS-26\] questionnaire) * Current severe depression or history of severe depression within the previous year, based on score \> 30 on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) * Weight loss \>5kg in past 12 weeks for any reason * Weight loss of \>20 kgs in past 3 years for any reason
Where this trial is running
Kelowna, British Columbia
- University of British Columbia - Okanagan — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sarah A Purcell, PhD
- Email: sarah.purcell@ubc.ca
- Phone: 2508079827
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.