RecruitingObservational

Gut microbial activity, lifestyle factors, and bone metabolism in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

This study explores the connection between gut bacteria, lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, and bone health in women. As women go through menopause, their bodies change, including hormone levels and gut health. These changes might affect important substances made by gut bacteria, called short-chain fatty acids, which are involved in keeping bones strong. By comparing women before and after menopause, researchers hope to understand how these factors work together. The goal is to find ways to help women maintain healthy bones as they age through better diet and physical activity.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Osteoporosis

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how your gut bacteria, what you eat, and how active you are might affect your bones, especially as you get older. We know that as women go through menopause, their bodies change in many ways, including their hormone levels and how their gut works. These changes could impact chemicals made by your gut bacteria, called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

SCFAs are like helpful little helpers in your body. They're thought to be good for you because they can reduce swelling in the body, support a healthy gut lining, and might even play a part in how strong your bones are by influencing how old bone is replaced with new bone. If there aren't enough of these SCFAs, or if their production is disrupted, it could lead to more swelling and other health issues. This study aims to see if different levels of SCFAs are connected to changes in bone health around menopause.

By comparing women in their younger, premenopausal years with women who have been through menopause, we hope to understand these links better. This knowledge could help us find better ways, through simple changes to diet and exercise, to support healthy bones and overall well-being for women as they age.

Key takeaways

The study explores links between gut bacteria, lifestyle, and bone health.
It compares premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Participation involves two hospital visits and some at-home monitoring and sample collection.
The study aims to find ways to support women's bone health as they age.
Funded by King Faisal University.
Study runs from March 2026 to July 2027.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are a woman between 18 and 40 years old and have not yet gone through menopause, or if you are 60 years or older and stopped having periods at least five years ago. Your weight should be within a healthy range for your height, and you shouldn't have diabetes or other long-term illnesses that could affect your gut or bones.

There are some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you take certain medications like antibiotics, specific stomach medicines, or hormone replacement therapy, or if you have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, severe osteoporosis, or a history of major mental illness. You also can't be pregnant, a regular daily smoker, or drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Essentially, the study is looking for generally healthy women who fit into specific age and menopausal groups, without other health conditions or medications that might hide the effects they are trying to study.

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 between 18-40 (pre-menopause) or 60+ (at least 5 years post-menopause)?
Is your body weight within a healthy range for your height (BMI 18.5-30)?
Do you have a healthy blood sugar level (HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol)?
Are you generally healthy, without certain long-term gut or bone conditions?
Are you not currently taking specific medications like antibiotics, HRT, or certain bone treatments?
Are you a non-smoker and drink alcohol responsibly (less than 14 units a week)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have two visits to Hammersmith Hospital. We ask that you don't start any new strict diets or big exercise plans between these visits, as this could confuse the results.

Your first visit, called 'Health Screening,' will take about an hour. During this visit, we'll talk about your general health. You'll have a blood test to check for diabetes, and we'll measure your height and weight. If you could become pregnant, we'll also do a quick urine pregnancy test. After this, if you're eligible, you'll receive a waterproof wrist monitor to wear for seven days to track your activity. You'll also get access to an online food diary to record what you eat for a week, and a kit to collect a stool (poo) and urine sample at home with clear instructions.

Your second visit, called 'Study Assessment,' will happen after you've worn the monitor and tracked your food for seven days. You'll bring back your collected stool and urine samples, and we'll take another blood sample. These samples will help us look at various markers related to your bone and gut health, like how your bones are breaking down and rebuilding, and different measures related to your gut bacteria and gut health.

Potential risks and benefits

There's no guarantee that you'll feel healthier or better by taking part in this study. Some parts, like checking your weight, height, or blood pressure, have no known risks. However, taking blood samples can cause a little discomfort when the needle goes in, and you might get a small bruise or, very rarely, a local infection. Our experienced doctors will carry out these procedures carefully in very clean conditions to keep these risks as low as possible. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What are 'short-chain fatty acids'?

These are helpful chemicals made by your gut bacteria that are thought to be good for reducing swelling and keeping your gut and bones healthy.

What does 'bone turnover' mean?

Bone turnover describes the natural process where your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone, keeping your bones strong.

How long will the study visits take?

The first visit for health screening will be about an hour. The second visit will be after your 7-day monitoring period.

Do I need to change my diet or exercise routines?

No, you don't need to start any new strict diets or intense exercise. We just ask that you don't make big changes between your study visits.

Will I get my test results?

The main contact for the study can provide more information on receiving individual results.

How to find out more

Edward Chambers

e.chambers@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)7786361040 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.