Can exercise ease menopause symptoms? small study tests different workouts
NCT ID NCT07132385
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 16, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study from the University of Toronto is testing how easy and enjoyable three different exercise programs are for women in perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause. The programs include moderate-intensity exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and stretching. The goal is to see which approach women stick with best, so researchers can design a larger study to measure real health benefits like fewer hot flashes and better heart health. The study is currently recruiting 30 women aged 40 and older who are experiencing menopause symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- exercise programs (moderate-intensity continuous exercise, high-intensity interval training, or stretching)
- What this could lead to
- If this pilot succeeds, it could pave the way for a larger study that identifies which exercise type best eases menopause symptoms and reduces heart disease risk in perimenopausal women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage pilot with only 30 participants, focused on feasibility rather than health outcomes. Results may not apply to all women, and the exercise programs may not be enjoyable or sustainable for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Biological females in early and late perimenopause. Menopausal stage will be defined according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 (STRAW+10). According to STRAW+10, perimenopause is characterized by menstrual cycle irregularity, specifically defined as having bleeding in the previous 12 months but at least a 7-day difference from usual menstrual cycle length * Experiencing menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats, joint stiffness) * Aged 40 years or older * Multiple risk factors for cardiometabolic disease, namely being sedentary (\<30 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity/week), having a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and a waist circumference indicative of abdominal obesity, specific to BMI (e.g., BMI 25-29.9: WC: 90cm; BMI 30-34.9: WC: 105cm; BMI 35-35.9: WC:115cm). Exclusion Criteria: * History of reproductive surgeries including oophorectomy, hysterectomy, ablation or gender-affirming. * Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer (except for non-melanoma skin cancer), respiratory disease (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or severe or uncontrolled asthma), uncontrolled hyper- or hypogonadism (change in medication or dosage in last 6 months and with major symptoms), and/or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome * Major signs or symptoms (regardless of known diagnosis) of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or renal disease * The use of medication that could impact blood glucose * Pregnant or post-partum \<12 months, lactating or breast feeding within 3 months of the start of study * Recreational smoking (e.g., tobacco, smoking) * Actively engaging in a low-carbohydrate diet (e.g., ketogenic, Atkins) * Using transdermal hormones, taking exogenous hormones, or receiving exogenous hormones from other means (e.g., intrauterine device) * Significant weight loss (i.e., \>5 kg) in past 3 months or currently taking weight loss medications
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5S 2C9, Canada
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