Menstrual Cycle Hormones and Eating Behavior

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine if the phase of the menstrual cycle (opposed versus unopposed estrogen phase) affects eating behavior, including types of foods preferred, wanting/desire for specific foods, and perception of hunger.

Detailed Description
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This is an observational study to investigate the effect of endogenous estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels on eating behavior and energy-yielding nutrient metabolism. Eating behavior will be assessed during a complete menstrual cycle during the first month of the study. Participants will track the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle using urinary leuteinizing hormone (LH) kits, they will record information about their food intake, eating behaviors, and appetite in their home environments, and they will complete two laboratory test days: one test day scheduled during their follicular phase, and one test day scheduled during their luteal phase.

Official Title
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Effect of Menstrual Cycle Hormone Changes on Eating Behavior and Nutrient Metabolism

Conditions
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Dietary Habits, Food Preference

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Body Mass Index between 20-30 Kg/m2 regular menstrual cycles sedentary lifestyle (physical activity not more than 30 minutes per day three times a week) Exclusion Criteria: Fasting blood sugar greater than 110 mg/dL Systolic Blood Pressure greater than 140 mmHg Diastolic Blood Pressure greater than 90 mmHg Fasting triglycerides greater than 120 mg/dL Documented or self-reported chronic disorders such as arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases Women who are Post-menopausal or Peri-menopausal Pre-menopausal women who are pregnant, uni/multiparous, taking oral contraceptives, or who have menstrual cycles lasting less than 20 days or greater than 45 days, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea, eumenorrhoea, or polymenorrhoea.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Eating behavior | Eating behavior, including types of foods preferred, wanting/desire for specific foods, and perception of hunger will be measured using four questionnaires; Eating inventory: to assess dietary restraint, Stanford Brief Physical Activity Questionnaire, Food craving questionnaire, Eating behavior and attitudes questionnaire | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Insulin sensitivity | To determine if the phase of the menstrual cycle affects insulin sensitivity, we will measure plasma insulin, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Serum lipid profile changes | Blood samples will be analyzed for lipids and lipoproteins, including apoproteins A1, B, C-II, C-III, and E. | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Urinary c-peptide | The level of urinary C-peptide and creatinine will be measured in a 24-hour urine collection. | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Estradiol | Estradiol measured in serum in relation to appetite variables | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| progesterone | Progesterone measured in serum in relation to appetite variables | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | Dehydroepiandrosterone measured in serum in relation to appetite variables | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) | SHBG measured in serum in relation to appetite variables | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Endocannabinoid profile | Endocannabinoid profile measured in serum to assess appetite | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 
| Leptin | Leptin measured in serum to assess appetite | At follicular (day 11) and luteal (day 26) phase of menstrual cycle | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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menstrual cycle, estrogen