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Creatine Perimenopause Study

The purpose of this research study is to understand the impact of high intensity resistance training and creatine supplementation on muscle quality, metabolism, and cognition in perimenopausal women. This study will evaluate your strength, body composition, muscle characteristics, menopause symptoms, metabolism, and brain health.

Age & Gender

  • 38 years ~ 60 years
  • Female

Visit Availability

  • Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
  • Extended hours (M-F, early morning or evening)
  • Weekend hours, if needed

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

Participation in this study will include 16 in-person visits across 7 weeks to the Applied Physiology Lab. YAt your first visit, we will measure your body composition and characteristics of your muscle. We will also measure how body metabolizes fat and calories at rest. Also at this visit, we will collect a small blood sample to measure your hormones. You will be given a FitBit wristwatch to wear every night while sleeping throughout the duration of the study. At Visit 1, you will be randomized into the supplement group, either the creatine monohydrate, placebo, or no supplement. At Visit 2, we will complete repeat body composition assessments, metabolic, strength and cognitive testing. At Visits 4-14, a member of the research team will guide you through the high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) exercise, as well as ask you to complete mood surveys. You will continue supplementing with the maintenance dose of the creatine monohydrate or placebo. Visit 15 will be the final training visit, in which strength testing will be repeated. Also, at this visit we will ask you to consume a small amount of fluid (~1 oz) and have you collect your urine for 24 hours, in order to allow us to understand how your body breaks down and builds up protein. At the final visit, we will repeat all metabolic testing, body composition, and a repeat blood draw.

Incentives

Comprehensive body composition analysis, fitness evaluation, DEXA results

In-person visits:
16
Total length of participation:
7 weeks

Looking for Healthy Volunteers

Requirements for healthy volunteers are different than for those with a specific condition. If you are interested in becoming a healthy volunteer for this study, use the below categories to determine if you are able to participate.

Able to participate:

  • You are perimenopausal (experiencing irregular periods or no periods <12 months)
  • You are between the ages of 38-60 years old
  • You have a BMI between 18.5-34.9 kg/m2

Not eligible if:

  • You are post-menopausal (no periods> 12 months)
  • You are a smoker
  • You are currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
  • You are currently taking creatine supplements

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Primary Visit Location

Applied Physiology Lab
Fetzer Hall (UNC-Chapel Hill)
210 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

Abbie Smith-Ryan
Exercise and Sport Science

Study Type

Clinical or Medical
Interventional

Study Topics

Eating, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Glands and Hormones
Healthy Volunteer or General Population
Mental and Emotional Health
Sexual and/or Reproductive Health
Wellness and Lifestyle
Women's Health

IRB Number

24-3202

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