Understanding how menopause affects body temperature regulation
The Influence of Estrogen on the Thermoregulatory Responses to Heat Stress in Pre and Postmenopausal Women
This study tests how menopause affects body temperature control in women aged 42-64 by comparing responses to heat in those with low estrogen and those with higher estrogen levels.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 42 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06798571 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of menopause on thermoregulation in women aged 42-64. It compares the responses to heat stress between premenopausal women, who will temporarily experience low estrogen levels through a GnRH antagonist, and postmenopausal women, who will receive a transdermal estradiol patch to elevate estrogen levels. Participants will undergo a series of heating experiments to assess their physiological responses under different hormonal conditions. The goal is to clarify how estrogen levels influence heat stress responses in the context of aging.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 42-64 who are either premenopausal or postmenopausal.
Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal diseases, those using hormone therapy or hormonal contraceptives, and smokers may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for heat stress in menopausal women, potentially reducing health risks during heat waves.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored aspects of menopause and thermoregulation, this specific approach of manipulating estrogen levels in a controlled setting is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women ages 42-64 Exclusion Criteria: * Chron's disease, diverticulitis, or similar gastrointestinal disease * Abnormal resting exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) * Tobacco use * High-risk determined by the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Factor * Assessment * Using hormone therapy * Using hormonal contraceptives
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania
- Noll Laboratory — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: W. Larry Kenney, Ph.D. — The Pennsylvania State University
- Study coordinator: W. Larry Kenney, Ph.D.
- Email: w7k@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-863-1672
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.