The Effects of Resistance Training and a Plant-Based Supplement on Perimenopausal Symptoms and Muscle Health.
This study investigates whether a special exercise routine (strength training) and a new plant-based food supplement can help women aged 40-55 who are experiencing perimenopause. Researchers want to find out if these can improve common perimenopause symptoms like changes in thinking, mood, and sleep, as well as boost muscle strength and size. Participants will be divided into groups, some receiving the supplement, some doing exercises, some doing both, and some receiving a dummy supplement. This will help scientists understand the best ways to support women during this natural life stage and improve their well-being.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study wants to understand more about perimenopause, which is the time leading up to menopause when a woman's body starts to change. Many women experience different symptoms during this period, such as changes in mood, sleep, and how well they can remember things, as well as changes in their muscles.
The study is focused on two main things: a type of exercise called 'resistance training' (like lifting weights, even light ones, or using your body's own weight) and a new plant-based food supplement. We want to see if doing these exercises, taking the supplement, or combining both can help women feel better and keep their muscles strong and healthy during perimenopause.
We'll also be looking closely at how the supplement might affect your brain function and mood almost immediately, and if these effects change over time. By looking at blood samples, we hope to understand exactly how these treatments might be working inside the body. The goal is to find safe and effective ways to support women through perimenopause and improve their overall health.
Key takeaways
- Study for women aged 40-55 in perimenopause.
- Investigates a plant-based supplement and home-based strength exercise.
- Aims to improve perimenopause symptoms and muscle health.
- Involves daily supplements, 3x weekly exercise (for some), and lab visits.
- Total commitment is about 6 months.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women aged between 40 and 55 years old who are currently going through perimenopause. You should not be regularly doing structured strength exercises more than three times a week, and you shouldn't have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception in the last year.
There are also some health conditions that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you have certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, some mental health conditions that need regular medication changes, or neurological problems that affect your brain. We also can't include you if you've had major injuries recently, have certain hormone conditions that aren't well controlled, or are regularly taking certain medications like antidepressants, steroids, or beta-blockers.
To make sure the study results are clear, we also can't include you if you're very overweight (BMI over 30, or over 27.5 for South Asian heritage), have allergies to the study products, use illegal drugs, drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol each week, or consume a lot of caffeine. You also can't be pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the study period.
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 40 and 55 years old?
- Are you currently experiencing perimenopause symptoms?
- Do you currently do regular strength exercises less than 3 times a week?
- Have you avoided HRT or hormonal contraception for at least the past year?
- Do you have any serious heart, neurological, or uncontrolled hormone conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be placed into one of four groups by chance. You will either take the study supplement, do home-based strength exercises three times a week, do both, or take a 'dummy' supplement (a placebo) and not do the specific exercise. You'll need to do what's asked of your group for 12 weeks.
You'll visit the laboratory at the start and end of the 12 weeks. During these visits, we'll check your brain function and mood. You'll also visit the lab every four weeks during the 12-week period for more checks including your thinking skills, how severe your symptoms are, and your muscle health. At each visit, we will ask for a blood sample. The whole study commitment, including preparation and follow-up, is expected to be around 6 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Carnegie School of SportVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'resistance training'?
Resistance training is a type of exercise where your muscles work against a force, like lifting weights, using exercise bands, or even just your own body weight.
What is a 'placebo supplement'?
A placebo is a fake treatment, like a pill that looks identical to the real supplement but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers fairly compare results.
How long will I need to be involved in the study?
You'll be actively taking the supplement and/or exercising for 12 weeks, with follow-up appointments, meaning your total commitment will be around 6 months.
Will I know which group I'm in?
No, you won't know whether you're taking the active supplement or the placebo, or which exercise group you are in. This is to make sure the results are not biased.
What happens if I decide I don't want to continue?
You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care in any way.
How to find out more
Harriet Cannell
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.