Whole-brain activity during a natural menstrual cycle versus an ovarian stimulation cycle
Official title: Whole-Brain Dynamics in the Natural Menstrual Cycle vs. an Ovarian Stimulated Cycle: Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on Healthy Women Undergoing Ovarian Stimulation
Run by ART Fertility Clinics LLC · NCT06910293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research will test whether hormonal changes from ovarian stimulation change resting brain activity in healthy young women with regular cycles.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | ART Fertility Clinics LLC Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06910293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy women aged 25–35 with BMI 20–30, AMH 1.3–5.9 ng/ml, regular 26–35 day cycles, MRI eligibility, and at least a 3-month washout if previously on hormonal contraception.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with prior ovarian surgery, ovarian pathology, current hormonal contraception, mental health disorders, or use of medications that influence brain function are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study uses resting-state fMRI to compare whole-brain dynamic complexity at three matched timepoints in each woman during a natural menstrual cycle and during a controlled ovarian stimulation cycle. Participants will be scanned on cycle day 2–3 (basal/early follicular), at the trigger-shot/pre-OPU (pre-ovulatory), and in the mid-luteal phase for both cycles, and blood hormone levels will be collected. Within-subject comparisons will link endocrine profiles to measures of brain connectivity and neurodynamics. The protocol focuses on young, healthy, naturally cycling women to isolate the effects of externally administered stimulation hormones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether ovarian stimulation alters brain activity and help inform safety information and counseling for women undergoing fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is largely novel, as few prior studies have directly compared whole-brain dynamics during ovarian stimulation versus natural cycles using resting-state fMRI.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age group: 25 - 35 years old * BMI: 20 - 30 * Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): 1.3 - 5.9 ng/ml * Regular Menstrual Cycle: 26-35 days * In case of previous use of hormonal contraception: wash-out period of 3 month * Meet standard safety and eligibility criteria for MRI scanning, including the absence of contraindications such as metallic implants, claustrophobia, or other medical conditions that preclude MRI Exclusion Criteria: * History of ovarian surgery * Pathology of the ovaries * Mental health disorders * Use of medication influencing brain function * Ongoing use of hormonal contraception (this would include OCP, but also patches and Mirena containing IUD)
Where it's running
-
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates Recruiting -
ART Fertility Clinics LLC
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Raquel Del Gallego, PhD
- Email: raquel.delgallego@artfertilityclinics.com
- Phone: +971 2 6528000
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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.