How the menstrual cycle affects energy use during exercise
This study explores how changes in hormones during a woman's menstrual cycle might affect how her body uses energy when she exercises. While more women are becoming involved in sports, most previous research on exercise and energy use has focused on men. By observing healthy women, researchers hope to learn how the body breaks down stored food, like sugars and fats, to power muscles during physical activity at different points in the cycle. This basic knowledge could be very helpful for sports medicine and understanding how bodies manage energy, which is important for overall health. It will help lay the groundwork for future studies and health advice.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is particularly interested in understanding how a woman's menstrual cycle might influence how her body uses energy during exercise. You know how when you exercise, your body needs fuel? It gets that fuel from the food you eat, storing it as sugar (glycogen) and fat in places like your muscles and liver. How much of these stores your body uses can affect how well you perform, how quickly you get tired, and even your overall health.
Historically, a lot of research on exercise and energy has focused on men. But with more women getting involved in sports and fitness, it's really important to understand these processes in women too. This study will help us get a clearer picture of how changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle might affect how your body taps into these stored energy sources.
The information gathered from this study will provide really valuable basic knowledge. It won't give direct health benefits to those taking part, but the findings will be crucial for guiding future research in sports medicine, helping develop better advice for female athletes, and understanding energy use in general, which can be important for conditions like diabetes. It's all about building a stronger foundation of knowledge about women's health.
Key takeaways
- Study focuses on how menstrual cycle influences energy use during exercise in women.
- Aims to fill a gap in research, as most past studies focused on men.
- Involves 5 visits to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
- Includes cycling, blood tests, and MRI scans.
- No direct health benefits, but valuable for future research and health policies.
- Minimal risks associated with standard procedures like blood tests and MRI.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy women aged between 18 and 35 years old. To join, you should have a regular menstrual cycle, meaning your periods typically come every 25 to 38 days. You also need to be nulliparous, which means you haven't given birth.
You should also be someone who exercises regularly, doing moderate activity for at least 45 minutes, three times a week. This could be things like brisk walking or a light jog. You will not be able to take part if you smoke, have any long-term health problems, or have been using birth control pills or other hormone medicines in the last six months.
The study also cannot include pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone with learning difficulties, significant social problems, or mental health issues that would make it hard to follow the study plan.
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.
- Are you a woman aged between 18 and 35?
- Do you usually have regular periods, every 25-38 days?
- Have you never given birth?
- Do you do moderate exercise (like brisk walking or light jogging) for at least 45 minutes, 3 times a week?
- Do you not smoke and have no long-term health conditions?
- Have you not used birth control pills or other hormone medicines in the last 6 months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, there will be an initial setup visit. During this visit, you'll cycle on a stationary bike to help the researchers figure out a personal exercise intensity for you. This will ensure everyone exercises at a similar effort level during the main part of the study.
After this, you'll come to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham four separate times, each about a week apart. Before each visit, you'll have a standard breakfast. At each visit, blood samples will be taken to check your hormone levels, and you'll be given ovulation kits to help pinpoint where you are in your menstrual cycle. You'll then do a 45-minute cycle on the stationary bike at your pre-determined effort level. Before and after each cycling session, you will have a 15-30 minute MRI scan. The MRI scans will help measure the energy stores in your liver and muscles. Blood samples taken before and after exercise will show how much sugar, fat, and other substances your body has used. The study is expected to run from September 2021 to September 2023.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging CentreApproximateNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to understand how a woman's menstrual cycle affects how her body uses energy during exercise.
Do I get paid to participate?
The information provided does not mention payment for participation.
What is involved in an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside your body. It is a painless procedure, but can be a bit noisy, and you will need to lie still for 15-30 minutes.
How often will I need to visit the study centre?
You will have an initial setup visit, followed by four weekly visits to the study centre.
Who is funding this research?
The study is funded by the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.
How to find out more
Henry Bowler
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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