Mono-Linyah

The LUNA study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, decentralized clinical trial in participants with heavy menstrual bleeding of no known structural cause. The study includes two age-based cohorts: adolescents aged 14-21 and adults aged 22-45. Participants in both cohorts will be randomized to receive transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN), which targets the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) and the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN), or sham stimulation. Participants will be enrolled into the study over the course of five consecutive menstrual cycles. All study activities will occur remotely and in addition to participants' typical treatment for HMB (as allowed by the eligibility criteria). During the first two consecutive menstrual cycles (M1 - M2, "Baseline Phase"), no tAN treatment will be delivered. Participants will estimate blood loss using the Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart (PBAC), and menstrual cramp pain will be assessed with a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), daily throughout the duration of the menstruation phase of their two baseline menstrual cycles. Menstrual symptoms will be assessed using the Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS) and a general quality of life assessment will be conducted on the final day of menstruation using the RAND Short-Form 36 (RAND-36). Menstrual-related quality of life assessments will also be conducted on the final day of each menstruation using the Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (MBQ) in the adult cohort, and the adolescent version (aMBQ) in the adolescent cohort. During the following three consecutive menstruations (M3 - M5, "Treatment Phase"), participants will self-administer one 2-hour sham or active tAN session daily, beginning Day 1 of menstruation through the final day of menstruation in each menstrual cycle. Blood loss (via the PBAC) and menstrual cramp pain (via the NRS) will be assessed daily throughout the duration of each menstruation. Quality of life will be assessed with the CMSS, RAND-36, and the MBQ (adults) or aMBQ (adolescents) on the final day of each menstruation. A device usability survey will be completed at the end of M3 and M5. Participants will exit the study after the final day of M5.

The muscles of the body are constantly breaking down old proteins and building new ones. These two processes, protein breakdown and protein synthesis, together are known as protein turnover. Protein turnover is essential for maintaining healthy muscle. Despite its importance, females have historically been underrepresented in protein metabolism research. A long-standing assumption has been that fluctuations in female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, whether across the natural menstrual cycle or in individuals using oral contraceptives (OCs), make metabolism and training responses too variable to study. Because of this, many researchers have excluded female participants for logistical reasons. Resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, is the most effective way to increase muscle size and strength. Each resistance-training session triggers muscle protein synthesis (MPS), the process by which new muscle proteins are built. Consuming dietary protein or individual amino acids further increases the rate at which new proteins are formed. Over time, higher rates of protein synthesis support muscle growth and the maintenance of other lean tissues in the body. The purpose of this study is to examine how menstrual cycle phases and OC use influence the synthesis of proteins in both muscle tissue and the rest of the body. Improving scientific understanding in this area will support more effective, evidence-based training and nutrition recommendations for females.

The post-menopausal state is marked by a sharp decline in estrogen, leading to significant structural and functional changes in the skin, including collagen loss, dryness, thinning, and reduced elasticity. To address these concerns, aesthetic injectables products such as Sculptra® Aesthetic (poly-L-lactic-acid \[PLLA- SCA\]) and Restylane Skinboosters®\[HASBV\] (small-particle hyaluronic acid - SP-HA) can be used. PLLA-SCA stimulates collagen production via cellular activation (biostimulator), gradually improving dermal structure. HASBV enhances hydration, elasticity, and skin texture when injected under the skin. Considering that hydration and laxity represent the primary aesthetic concerns in this patient population. Targeted treatment with SP-HA (HASBV) to improve hydration and PLLA-SCA to address laxity have been shown to produce significant clinical outcomes by directly addressing these key dermal deficiencies. This approach forms the basis of the current study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant public health problem and is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, increasing their risk for cardiometabolic health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, and stroke) especially if they are overweight. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular physical activity, may alleviate metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS and are often the first line of management for patients with PCOS. Several studies have identified protein as a key nutrient for regulation of energy balance, maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, and improving cardiometabolic health across the lifespan. However, the effect of increased protein intake (30% of total energy intake) on cardiometabolic health in women with PCOS has not been well-defined and mechanisms for these effects have not been identified. There is an evident need for well-designed, randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of increased protein intake in women with PCOS on markers of cardiometabolic health. Preliminary data from collaborative projects with the investigators on this proposal suggest that increasing protein in the diet has the potential to improve markers of cardiometabolic health, potentially through improvements in body composition and/or changes in cortisol, energy metabolism, inflammation, and neurological regulators

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. Dietary strategies that improve postprandial insulin and glucose responses are central to managing metabolic symptoms in PCOS. Meals higher in protein can attenuate postprandial glycemia and enhance satiety, but the effects may vary by protein source. Animal sources of protein typically have higher essential amino acid content and insulinogenic potential, whereas plant proteins offer fiber and phytochemicals that may influence glycemic dynamics differently. Few studies have directly compared the acute metabolic effects of plant versus animal protein in women with PCOS. Given the distinct pathophysiology of PCOS, extrapolating findings from healthy populations may be misleading. Understanding protein-specific effects on postprandial insulin, glucose, and appetite-regulating hormones in this group is essential for targeted nutrition guidance. Additionally, plant-based diets are increasingly promoted for cardiometabolic health, but their acute effects in insulin-resistant women remain underexplored. This study will assess whether plant and animal protein meals elicit differential postprandial responses in women with PCOS. Findings may inform dietary recommendations aimed at improving metabolic outcomes in this high-risk population.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of moderate aerobic exercise on menstrual symptom management in sedentary women both using and not using hormonal contraceptives. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is there a reduction in physical and/or psychological menstrual cycle related symptom burden with participation in moderate aerobic exercise for sedentary women using and not using hormonal contraceptives? Is there a difference in physical and/or psychological menstrual cycle related symptom burden between hormonal contraceptive and non-hormonal contraceptive users? Is a moderate aerobic exercise intervention more effective in reducing physical and/or psychological menstrual related symptom burden for sedentary women using or not using hormonal contraceptives? Participants will: * Have their body composition assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry pre and post exercise intervention. * Complete a Menstrual Symptom Index (MSi) to report daily menstrual cycle related symptom burden in addition to the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool (PSST) and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) questionnaire monthly. * Utilize an at-home monitor to test urinary luteinizing hormone, estrone-3-glucuronide, and pregnanediol glucuronide approximately 10 times per month and report menstrual cycle length. * Record physical activity habits by continuously wearing a wrist-based accelerometer and chest-strap heart rate monitor during planned aerobic exercise sessions and complete the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) monthly. * Maintain their usual sedentary activity habits for one menstrual cycle followed by completion of an exercise intervention designed to progress individuals to meet minimum recommended aerobic physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week set by the American College of Sports Medicine for two menstrual cycles.

In postmenopausal women, obesity increases the risk of physical function decline, premature aging, and vascular dysfunction. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are potent obesity medications. The goal is to determine the effect of weight loss induced by the new generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists on physical function, aging biomarkers, and vascular function in postmenopausal women with obesity.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of seed cycling on menstrual regularity, cramps, and pre-menstrual symptoms in women with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or dysmenorrhea. The research seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the potential benefits of seed cycling as a holistic approach to women's reproductive health. It is expected that your participation will last 3 months. Procedures and Activities. You will be provided with and asked to consume specific seeds daily. The seeds are to be consumed as follows: follicular phase (the period from the first day of menstruation (day 1) to ovulation (day 14) in a typical 28-day cycle): 1 tablespoon flax seeds and 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, and luteal phase (the period between ovulation and the start of the next period; typically days 15-28): 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Before the intervention and once monthly for a total of 3 cycles, you will be asked to complete an online menstrual health symptom questionnaire (MHSQ) and keep track of your menstrual cycle days on the built-in health tracking app on your electronic device. Risks. Some of the foreseeable risks or discomforts of your participation include the potential for mild gastrointestinal side effects, the potential for allergic reactions, and the possibility of no significant benefit. Benefits. Possible benefits include the potential for improved menstrual cycle regularity, the potential for a reduction in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and the potential for nutritional benefits. Societal benefits include additional knowledge on seed cycling to help manage menstrual regularity and PMS symptoms.

This study will use a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine smaller doses of choline and whether a signal in the brain is detectable using fMRI. This study will examine if an even smaller doses of choline can show these similar brain activation and connectivity patterns to the 1650 mg dose. This will be a dose ranging study of 550 mg and 1100 mg oral choline compared to placebo.

The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of the hemp-derived minor cannabinoids on symptoms of menopause/perimenopause.

The frequency and severity of heat waves has increased in the last decades. Older adults (over 65 years) have impaired responses to heat stress making them at increased risk for adverse events. Previous heat waves report that women over 65 experience worse health outcomes than any other age group and age matched men. Aging and reproductive hormones, specifically estrogen, independently alter responses to heat stress. However, the combined effects of low estrogen following menopause and aging on the response to heat stress are unknown. In this study, the investigators will identify the role of estrogen in pre and post menopausal women on thermoregulatory responses to heat stress.

The investigators aim to assess the interactions between the sympathetic nervous system and the vasculature in women across the menopause transition to better understand why aging women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.