Strength and Aerobic Training Against Hot Flushes in Postmenopausal Women

Launched by LINKOEPING UNIVERSITY · Sep 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of exercise can affect hot flushes in postmenopausal women. Specifically, it will compare strength training (like lifting weights) and high-intensity aerobic exercise (like running or dancing) to see if either can help reduce the number and severity of hot flushes compared to women who do not change their physical activity. The trial lasts for 15 weeks, and researchers are looking for women aged 45 and older who experience at least 28 hot flushes a week and are able to participate in exercise sessions three times a week.

To be eligible, participants should be postmenopausal and meet certain health criteria, such as not being very active already or using hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. Throughout the study, participants will be assigned to one of the three groups: strength training, high-intensity aerobic training, or a control group that continues their usual activities. This trial is currently recruiting, and it's a great opportunity for women looking to explore non-drug options to manage their hot flushes.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Postmenopausal women (one of: ≥ 12 months since last menstruation; amenorrhea due to intrauterine device or hysterectomy and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) \>30 mIU/ml; bilateral oophorectomy; induced menopause due to chemotherapy or radiation and ≥2 years amenorrhea);
• • ≥ 28 moderate to severe hot flushes per week during a 2-week screening period, registered through a daily VMS diary;
• • Age ≥45 years;
• • Physical ability to participate in strength training or high intensity aerobic exercise for 60 minutes, 3 times/week during 15 weeks;
• • Understand Swedish orally and in writing
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Regular physical activity \>30 minutes per week of vigorous intensity or ≥150 minutes of moderate intensity or combined activities representing maximum 150 minutes of moderate intensity;
• • Use of systemic menopausal hormone therapy the last 2 months;
• • Use of natural preparations such as herbal preparations for VMS, or other medications for VMS the last 2 months;
• • Capillary hemoglobin \<110 g/l;
• • Blood pressure \>160 mmHg systolic or \>100 mmHg diastolic;
• • Unstable medical condition with a potential to affect VMS (like unregulated thyroid disease);
• • Medical condition that by a physician is judged not appropriate (because of potential to affect VMS or risk of injury with vigorous exercise)