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Autonomic Regulation of Blood Pressure in Premature and Early Menopausal Women

This is a cross-sectional study in which the investigators will determine the impact of premature/early menopause on MSNA, BP and baroreflex sensitivity in younger (≤49 yr old) and older (≥50 yr old) women. Specifically, aim one will determine mechanisms driving autonomic dysregulation of BP in premature and early menopausal women and aim two will determine mechanisms driving autonomic dysregulation of BP in older menopausal women. The study design outlined below will permit testing of aim one and aim two.

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT04439370

PhaseNot Applicable

Enrollment160

SponsorUniversity of Minnesota

Age35 Years

SexFEMALE

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Conditions studied

Hypertension, Menopause, Premature, Menopause, Blood Pressure

About this study

Interventions

Diagnostic Test: Microneurography to measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) — Microneurography is a direct measurement of electrical activity of peripheral sympathetic nerves
Diagnostic Test: Baroreflex sensitivity testing — Two arms of the baroreflex that will be tested in this study are sympathetic and cardiovagal. Static baroreflex is tested during baseline resting conditions and dynamic baroreflex is tested during Valsalva maneuvers.
Diagnostic Test: Sympathoexcitatory Maneuvers — Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and Upper extremity fatiguing contraction with post exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) will be performed
Diagnostic Test: Blood tests — Serum FSH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone will be measured

Primary outcomes

Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity (MSNA) (bursts per minute) (3 hours)
Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity (MSNA) (bursts/100 heart beats) (3 hours)
Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (3 hours)
Sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity (3 hours)
Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) (3 hours)
Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) (3 hours)
Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (mmHg) (3 hours)
Heart Rate (beats/min) (3 hours)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 35-49 or 50-70 years of age who experienced premature (\<40) or early (≤45) menopause * Premenopausal 35-49 years of age * Typical-age menopause (i.e., after 45 years of age), who are between 50-70 years old * Menopause will be confirmed by subject report of amenorrhea for 12 months and serum FSH of \>30 mIU/mL Exclusion Criteria: * Current nicotine/tobacco use within the past six months * Are diabetic or asthmatic * Have diagnosed significant carotid stenosis * Have a history of significant autonomic dysfunction, heart disease, respiratory disease or a severe neurologic condition such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. * Have existing metabolic or endocrine abnormities * Take any heart/blood pressure medications that are determined to interfere with study outcomes * IF the participant is premenopausal AND currently taking OC or other exogenous steroids that are determined to interfere with study outcomes * Females who classify as having early or premature menopause AND are not willing to discontinue OC or MHT in order to complete the study * Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Study locations

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.