Can too much running or stress throw off your period? study seeks answers
NCT ID NCT05967819
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how increasing exercise or adding mental stress might change menstrual cycles in women who run or cycle regularly. Over about three months, participants either keep their normal routine, increase weekly mileage by 30%, do stressful thinking tasks, or both. The goal is to see if these factors affect hormone levels and cycle length. No treatment or cure is being tested.
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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 54 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2023
- Expected to finish
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Aug 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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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * participates in structured running or cycling exercise for at least 30 minutes on 4 days per week or more * have regular periods every 21 to 35 days * have not used hormonal contraceptives for at least the past 6 months * are not currently or trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, and have not been pregnant or breastfeeding for the past 12 months * have never been diagnosed with a menstrual cycle disorder (e.g., menorrhagia, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome \[PCOS\], endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder \[PMDD\], menstrual migraines, ovarian cancer, ovarian insufficiency, uterine or endometrial cancer) * have never been diagnosed with a metabolic disease (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing disease, Addison's disease, diabetes) Exclusion Criteria: * missing \> 4 consecutive days of aerobic exercise (i.e., running, cycling, cross training) if assigned to the exercise intervention groups * they indicate they "Could not participate at all due to a health problem" or have had to modify their exercise training, felt their injury, illness, or other health problem has affected their exercise performance, or experienced symptoms/ health complaints greater than "To a minor extent" on the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire (exercise training intervention group) * demonstrate clinical low energy availability as defined as energy availability \<30 Kcal/kg fat free mass in the first two months of at-home monitoring * report menstrual cycle lengths \<21 days or \>35 days in the first two months of at-home monitoring * do not demonstrate an anticipated rise in progesterone levels during the latter half of their cycle and luteinizing hormone levels at mid-cycle compared to tests taken during the first few days after menses in the first two months of at-home monitoring * begin taking a hormonal contraceptive * become pregnant * are diagnosed with a menstrual cycle disorder (e.g., menorrhagia, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome \[PCOS\], endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder \[PMDD\], menstrual migraines, ovarian cancer, ovarian insufficiency, uterine or endometrial cancer) * are diagnosed with a metabolic disease (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing disease, Addison's disease, diabetes), 10) are diagnosed with a major cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or musculoskeletal injury * are unable to follow instructions for any of the procedures
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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
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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
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A doctor treating you
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Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Colorado Colorado Springs
RECRUITINGColorado Springs, Colorado, 80918, United States
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