NCT07420218

Menopausal Hormones and Sympathetic Activation

Impact of FSH and Estradiol on Sympathetic Function in Menopausal Women

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Delaware · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 40 Years – 58 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to understand how changes in menopausal hormones like estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) impact sympathetic nervous system function. To do so, the investigators will use a medication to control the production of estradiol and FSH, and in some participants, add-back estradiol to isolate its effects. The investigators will measure sympathetic activation centrally (in the brain using MRI), peripherally in the nervous system, and also examine adrenergic receptor mediated control of vascular function.

Conditions

• Perimenopausal Women

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Estrogen	Estradiol patch (0.1mg) All women will use a GnRH antagonist for 8 days. Some women will receive an estradiol patch for to wear on days 3-8, whereas other women will receive a placebo patch to wear on days 3-8. Measurements of sympathetic activation will occur on days 6-8.
OTHER	Placebo	All women will use a GnRH antagonist for 8 days. Some women will receive an estradiol patch for to wear on days 3-8, whereas other women will receive a placebo patch to wear on days 3-8. Measurements of sympathetic activation will occur on days 6-8.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-09-01
• Primary completion: 2030-06-01
• Completion: 2030-12-31
• First posted: 2026-02-19
• Last updated: 2026-03-27

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated drug study