The Cardiovascular Impact of Hot Flushes

Description

The overall objective of this study is to examine the physiological responses that occur during a hot flush in postmenopausal women. The following specific aims will be executed to reach the overall objective of this study. Aim 1: To determine if hot flushes can be reliably induced with a temperature-controlled, water- circulating (TCWC) heating pad. Based on previous research, the investigators hypothesize that hot flushes will be inducible with the TCWC in symptomatic women, but not in asymptomatic women. Aim 2: To determine if heat-induced hot flushes in symptomatic women will cause reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses. The investigators hypothesize that heat-induced hot flushes produce similar and reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses to spontaneous hot flushes. Aim 3: To determine if body fat percentage influences hot flush severity or frequency during spontaneous or induced hot flushes. The investigators hypothesize that women with higher body fat have reduced hot flash severity and frequency.

Conditions

Hot Flashes, Menopause

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The overall objective of this study is to examine the physiological responses that occur during a hot flush in postmenopausal women. The following specific aims will be executed to reach the overall objective of this study. Aim 1: To determine if hot flushes can be reliably induced with a temperature-controlled, water- circulating (TCWC) heating pad. Based on previous research, the investigators hypothesize that hot flushes will be inducible with the TCWC in symptomatic women, but not in asymptomatic women. Aim 2: To determine if heat-induced hot flushes in symptomatic women will cause reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses. The investigators hypothesize that heat-induced hot flushes produce similar and reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses to spontaneous hot flushes. Aim 3: To determine if body fat percentage influences hot flush severity or frequency during spontaneous or induced hot flushes. The investigators hypothesize that women with higher body fat have reduced hot flash severity and frequency.

The Cardiovascular Impact of Hot Flushes

The Cardiovascular Impact of Hot Flushes

Condition
Hot Flashes
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Minneapolis

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Postmenopausal (may have or may not have hot flushes)
  • * Have not started hormone therapy and/or will discontinue hormone therapy for the duration of the study
  • * Reported nicotine/tobacco use within the last six months
  • * Diabetic or asthmatic
  • * Diagnosed significant carotid stenosis
  • * History of significant autonomic dysfunction, heart disease, respiratory disease, or severe neurologic condition such as stroke or traumatic brain injury
  • * Existing metabolic or endocrine abnormalities
  • * Use of heart/blood pressure medications that are determined to interfere with study outcomes
  • * Unwilling to discontinue use of OC (or other hormonal contraceptives, including intrauterine devices or contraceptive implants) and/or MHT
  • * Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • * Unwilling or unable to refrain from consuming caffeine or alcohol in the 12 hours before visit two or three
  • * Unwilling or unable to refrain from vigorous exercise (at least 10 minutes in duration) in the 12 hours before visit two or three
  • * Unwilling or unable to fast in the eight hours before visit two or three
  • * Body mass index greater than or equal to 35 kg/m\^3

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Minnesota,

Manda Keller-Ross, PhD, DPT, PT, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Study Record Dates

2024-12-31