Resistance Training for Perimenopause
(HeART Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines whether lifting weights can help women who are just starting menopause improve their blood vessel health, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. The trial includes two groups: one will lift weights twice a week, while the other will receive emails with menopause information. The researchers aim to determine if resistance training (a form of exercise involving lifting weights) offers benefits beyond simply learning about menopause. Women aged 40-60 who have noticed changes in their menstrual cycle in the past year and do not exercise much are ideal candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore personal health benefits from resistance training during menopause.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. The trial requires that you are not taking medications for diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, or any steroidal medications.
What prior data suggests that resistance training is safe for women starting menopause?
Research shows that weightlifting and similar exercises are generally safe and well-tolerated by middle-aged women, including those experiencing menopause. Studies have found that these exercises increase strength and improve muscle health in women without causing serious side effects. Additionally, resistance training helps maintain muscle strength and bone health, which are important during menopause. Overall, evidence suggests it's a safe way to enhance physical fitness and well-being for women at this stage of life.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about resistance training for perimenopause because it offers a natural, non-pharmaceutical way to potentially ease the symptoms associated with this transitional phase. Unlike standard treatments like hormone replacement therapy, which can have various side effects, resistance training focuses on building muscle strength and improving overall physical health. This approach not only helps in managing weight and maintaining bone density, but it also promotes mental well-being, which can be particularly beneficial during perimenopause. By empowering women to take an active role in their health through exercise, this treatment could provide a holistic alternative to traditional medical options.
What evidence suggests that resistance training might be an effective treatment for menopause?
Research has shown that lifting weights can improve physical function and strength during menopause. In this trial, participants in the Resistance Training Intervention arm will complete two sessions per week for 16 weeks. Studies have found that strength exercises strengthen the legs and pelvic floor, increase bone strength, and lead to positive hormonal changes. One study found that resistance training can change body composition by increasing muscle strength in middle-aged women. These benefits have appeared at different stages of menopause, suggesting that weightlifting may help maintain muscle and bone health during this time. Overall, evidence supports the idea that weightlifting benefits women starting menopause.45678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Marnie K. McLean, M.S.
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women who are starting menopause and have not been regularly lifting weights. They should be generally healthy but may have early signs of cardiovascular disease or motor skill issues related to aging. Women with severe health conditions, currently on hormone therapy, or unable to commit to the study schedule are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete baseline vascular function and exercise testing, and surveys about sleep, mood, and menopause-specific quality of life. Blood and urine samples are collected.
Intervention
Participants randomized to resistance training complete two sessions per week for 16 weeks. Control group receives weekly health education emails.
Post-Intervention Assessment
Participants complete post-intervention vascular function and exercise testing, and the same surveys as at baseline.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Resistance Training Intervention
Trial Overview
The trial is testing if resistance training (like weightlifting) twice a week can improve blood vessel health in perimenopausal women compared to those receiving educational emails about menopause. The study will also assess changes in mood, sleep quality, and life satisfaction.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants randomized to resistance training will complete two sessions/week for 16 weeks.
Participants randomized to the health education control group will receive weekly emails with general menopause information. They will be instructed to maintain current lifestyle habits, including exercise habits while enrolled in this study. They will be provided with a personalized resistance training program, equipment orientation/training session, and a counseling phone call with an exercise physiologist following study completion, or they can re-enroll in the resistance training intervention after completing the control portion of the study.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
Citations
The Efficacy of Strength Exercises for Reducing ...
The results showed improvements in the strength of the legs and pelvic floor, physical activity, bone density, metabolic and hormonal changes, ...
Does exercising during peri- or early post-menopause ...
Strength training may reduce bone and muscle loss during the menopause transition. •. Future trials examining bone should conduct longer ...
3.
news.exeter.ac.uk
news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/first-of-its-kind-study-shows-resistance-training-can-improve-physical-function-during-menopause/First-of-its-kind study shows resistance training can ...
These improvements were comparable across pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal groups, suggesting for the first time that the menopause transition, ...
4.
bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com
bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-023-02671-yResistance training alters body composition in middle-aged ...
RT with free weight is safe and effective for middle-aged women to increase 1-RM. Hypertrophy effects were found exclusively in pre-menopausal women.
High Intensity Resistance Training + Creatine in ...
Outcomes will include assessments of muscle quality and strength, cognitive function, brain oxygenation, metabolic rate, and protein turnover, while accounting ...
Resistance training alters body composition in middle ...
RT with free weight is safe and effective for middle-aged women to increase 1-RM. Hypertrophy effects were found exclusively in pre-menopausal women.
7.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2025.1542746/fullImpact of menopause hormone therapy, exercise, and their ...
This review highlights that combining MHT and structured exercise is most effective for enhancing BMD in menopausal women.
Analysis of combinatory effects of free weight resistance ...
The results indicate that RT enhances body composition and strength capacity in postmenopausal women and is a preventive strategy against muscle atrophy.
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.