NCT07848438NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Sex Hormones and Aging

University of Michigan

Start Date

8/20/2026

Completion Date

8/1/2031

Summary

This study investigates the influence of sex hormones and exercise on age-related neuromuscular decline in females. Specifically, the research aims to evaluate how hormonal variations impact both age-associated neuromuscular decline and the subsequent adaptations to exercise and resistance training. Age-related declines in neuromuscular function are especially pronounced in females, potentially due to the sharp drop in estradiol after menopause. This project will compare postmenopausal females who have not taken hormonal therapy (HT) to age-matched females taking HT.

Detailed Description

The primary objective of the research is to and evaluate how hormonal status influences the neural and muscular drivers of strength and fatigue, which we have divided into two central Aims. Aim 1 will assess baseline differences in neuromuscular function between HT females and non-HT females. In Aim 2, participants will complete an 8-week high-resistance training program to evaluate the effects of sex and HT on neuromuscular adaptations. At the University of Michigan, populations recruited will include: 1. 60 healthy older females who have not used any form of HT 2. 60 healthy older females who have been prescribed HT by their physician

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 50 years to 70 years

Inclusion Criteria: Exclusion Criteria: * Females who are pregnant or likely to be pregnant. Female subjects of childbearing age will be asked of the possibility of pregnancy and will be excluded from the study if they are pregnant or become pregnant during the study. * Females who are not currently taking HT but have taken HT in the past 5 years. * Severe obesity (body mass index, BMI, \> 45 kg/m2): this will be calculated from measured height and weight * Untreated hypothyroidism * Uncontrolled blood pressure (\>160/100 mmHg at rest) * Epilepsy or increased risk of seizures * Metal implants in the body, excluding the mouth * Head injury in the past 6 months * People who are taking any of the following medications: Medications that affect cortical excitability, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in the past 24 hours or chronic use of NSAIDs, Beta blockers or any other heart rate stabilizing medications, Any neurological, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease that precludes exercise testing

Interventions

OTHER

HRT: High-Resistance Strength Training

OTHER

Control: High-Resistance Strength Training

Interested in This Trial?

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Conditions

MenopauseMenopausal Hormone TherapyAging

Locations

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

United States