Understanding menopause, brain energy, and thinking
Official title: Santé, Imagerie et Cognition à Travers la Transition ménopausique
Run by Université de Sherbrooke · NCT07021664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study looks at how the menopausal transition affects brain energy use and thinking skills in women.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Université de Sherbrooke Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sherbrooke, Quebec and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07021664 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged roughly 35–65 who are in premenopause, perimenopause, or postmenopause and who can undergo MRI and provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals outside the menopausal window or who cannot complete MRI or cognitive testing may not benefit from the insights of this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional study will examine brain energy metabolism and cognition across premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. Researchers will explore whether estrogen decline affects glucose use in the brain while evaluating ketone metabolism as an alternative energy source. The study will enroll women who are transitioning through menopause and who can complete MRI procedures and cognitive assessments. Data will come from imaging, cognitive testing, and participant questionnaires to describe patterns by menopausal stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could clarify brain energy changes during menopause and inform future strategies to support cognition.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked estrogen decline to changes in brain glucose use; this study adds information about ketone metabolism and stage-specific patterns.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to read and speak French * Capable of understanding and signing informed consent GROUP SPECIFIC INCLUSION CRITERIA Premenopause: • Women aged 35 to 55; No change in menstrual cycle regularity over the past 10 months (variation less than 7 days per cycle) Perimenopause: Women aged 40 to 60; Menstrual cycles varying by more than 7 days per cycle for at least 10 cycles, or no period for 3 to 11 months postmenopause: Women aged 45 to 65; No menstrual period for ≥ 12 months Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy, childbirth within the past 12 months, or breastfeeding * Use of hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives in the past 6 months * contraindications to MRI (e.g., presence of non-compatible metallic objects) * Claustrophobia * Type 1 diabetes * Adherence to a ketogenic intervention (e.g., ketone supplements, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet) in the past 3 months * Engaging in intense physical activity 5 times per week or more * Any significant neurological disorder (e.g., dementia, brain tumor, seizure disorder, history of significant head trauma with persistent neurological deficits, known structural brain abnormalities) * History of oophorectomy or hysterectomy * Any significant psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression within the past 2 years, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Systemic diseases or unstable/uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney or liver disorders) * Any other condition that may interfere with participation, as judged by the study physician
Where it's running
-
Research Center on Aging
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Recruiting -
Centre de recherche sur le Vieillissement
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephen Cunnane, Ph.D — Université de Sherbrooke
- Study coordinator: Melanie Fortier, M.Sc.
- Email: recherche.cerveau@usherbrooke.ca
- Phone: 1-819-821-5206
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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.