Female Sex Hormones for Exercise Performance
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, impact exercise performance and recovery. Researchers aim to determine how these hormones, which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, influence exercise intensity perception and participants' readiness to exercise. The study includes three groups, each based on different hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Women with regular periods who are not on birth control and have never tried downhill running might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of hormones in exercise, potentially benefiting future health and fitness strategies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any contraception or medications that could affect your reproductive status, as well as any exogenous hormones.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone are generally safe in the body. These hormones are naturally produced and fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Studies have found that physical activity can affect these hormone levels in women. For example, exercise can lower estrogen and progesterone levels, indicating that the body can handle these changes without major problems.
One study discovered that hormone levels, such as estradiol (a type of estrogen), can influence muscle fatigue. This means that while these hormones affect muscle function, they usually do not cause harm.
Overall, because these hormones occur naturally and have been well-studied, they are generally well-tolerated. Most research focuses on their impact on exercise and recovery rather than causing negative effects.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about exploring how female endogenous sex hormones impact exercise performance because these hormones could offer a natural way to optimize athletic performance in women. Unlike synthetic supplements or performance-enhancing drugs, this approach utilizes the body's own hormonal fluctuations, potentially minimizing side effects and health risks. Each phase of the menstrual cycle involves different hormone levels, and understanding their specific effects on exercise performance could lead to tailored training and nutrition strategies that align with a woman's natural cycle. This research could revolutionize how female athletes train by providing insights that are more personalized and biologically aligned.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for exercise performance?
This trial will examine how exercise performance changes with varying levels of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, during the menstrual cycle. Participants will be assigned to different arms based on hormone levels at specific cycle phases. Research has shown that low hormone levels during menstruation might slightly lower exercise performance. In the trial arm with high estrogen and low progesterone, some studies have found that muscle strength may improve, but there could also be a risk of reduced power and a higher chance of injury. In the arm with medium estrogen and high progesterone, exercise performance can be unpredictable, sometimes causing quicker fatigue. Overall, these hormone changes seem to affect how the body manages exercise and recovery.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women with a BMI of 18.5-29.9, not on contraception or hormone treatments, who have regular menstrual cycles and are free from chronic diseases and gynecological conditions like PCOS or endometriosis. Participants should be new to downhill running, weigh at least 110 lbs, and not be pregnant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo exercise sessions at different phases of their menstrual cycle to assess the impact of hormone levels on exercise performance and recovery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for muscle soreness, inflammatory markers, and muscle function after exercise
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Female Endogenous Sex Hormones
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor