Postprandial Triglyceride Concentrations Across Menstrual Cycle Phases
This research wants to understand if the different stages of a woman's menstrual cycle change how her body handles fats after she eats. Specifically, we're measuring triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood) in healthy young women. Participants will visit a lab twice: once during the early part of their cycle (follicular phase) and once during the middle-to-end part (luteal phase). Each visit involves a high-fat meal, followed by a six-hour rest period where measurements will be taken. By comparing the results from these two visits, we hope to find out if there's a difference in how triglyceride levels behave during these different cycle phases. This helps us learn more about women's health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding a specific part of women's health. We're looking at how a woman's menstrual cycle might affect the levels of fats, called triglycerides, in her blood after she eats a meal. Think of triglycerides as a type of fuel your body uses, but too much can sometimes be unhealthy. We believe that the natural changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle could influence how the body processes these fats.
Our main goal is to compare what happens with triglyceride levels during two different times in the menstrual cycle: the early follicular phase, which is roughly when your period starts, and the mid-luteal phase, which is closer to the time before your next period. By doing this, we hope to discover if there's a real difference in how these fat levels change after eating, depending on where a woman is in her cycle.
Understanding these natural variations can give us important insights into how a healthy female body works. It's about building knowledge that could, in the long run, help us better understand nutrition and health recommendations specifically tailored for women, considering their unique biological rhythms.
Key takeaways
- The study explores how menstrual cycles affect fat levels in the blood after eating.
- It involves healthy young women aged 18-30.
- Participants will have two main visits, each lasting six hours after a special meal.
- The goal is to understand differences between two phases of the menstrual cycle.
- Taking part helps science understand women's health better.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy young women between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. To take part, you need to be able to speak English and understand and agree to what the study involves.
There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have any long-term health problems or if you're taking certain medications like those for cholesterol, hormones (including birth control), depression, or blood thinning. Also, if you currently smoke, are pregnant, recently had a baby, or have periods that are usually irregular, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am a woman between 18 and 30 years old.
- I am generally healthy and don't have long-term illnesses.
- I don't currently use hormonal birth control, antidepressants, or blood thinners.
- I have regular menstrual periods and am not pregnant or recently had a baby.
- I don't currently smoke.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a quick screening visit to make sure you meet all the requirements. Then, you'll come to the laboratory for two main study sessions. These sessions will be planned to happen at specific times in your menstrual cycle: one during the early part of your cycle (when your period typically starts) and another during the middle-to-end part of your cycle.
During each of these two sessions, you'll be asked to eat a special high-fat meal. After the meal, you'll relax, sitting down for six hours at the laboratory. During this time, the research team will take measurements, likely blood samples, to check your triglyceride levels. There are no medications given as part of this study, and no long-term follow-up is required after your two study visits. The total duration of your active participation will involve these three visits (one screening, two main sessions).
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of OttawaVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. After you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need right away into triglycerides, which are stored in your fat cells.
Why are you studying this in healthy women?
By studying healthy women, we can better understand the natural ways the body works without other health conditions or medications complicating the results. This helps us learn about basic body functions.
Will I get to know my own triglyceride levels?
You will receive information about how your personal data will be handled and if results will be shared with you. This will be explained in detail in the consent form before you join.
How will you know what phase of my cycle I'm in?
The research team will explain how they will determine the correct timing for your study visits based on your menstrual cycle, likely by tracking your period dates.
Is the high-fat meal safe?
Yes, the meal will be designed to be safe for healthy individuals and is chosen to help the researchers measure how the body processes fats effectively. Any dietary considerations will be discussed.
How to find out more
Pascal Imbeault, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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