Effects of Resistance Training on Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (NCT07612735) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Resistance Training on Women With Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Spain28 participantsStarted 2026-05-15
Plain-language summary
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition where women lose their menstrual periods, typically due to a combination of stress and insufficient calorie intake to fuel their daily physical activity (low energy availability). Standard medical advice often requires these women to completely stop exercising to recover their energy balance and hormones. However, this "complete rest" approach can cause severe anxiety for active individuals and removes the necessary mechanical loading that keeps bones strong.
This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an 8-week supervised resistance training (weightlifting) program as a realistic alternative treatment for active women with FHA. The researchers compare a group of women experiencing FHA to a control group of women with regular menstrual cycles. Over the 8 weeks, participants complete three moderate-intensity, full-body weightlifting sessions per week.
The primary goal is to determine if women with FHA can successfully recover their menstrual cycles while continuing to lift weights. Additionally, the study monitors changes in muscle strength, jumping performance, body composition, resting heart rate, and psychological well-being. Ultimately, this study aims to provide healthcare providers and coaches with evidence-based strategies that allow female athletes to safely maintain their athletic identity and physical health during recovery.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* General Profile: Active women aged 18 to 35 years.
* FHA Group: Clinical diagnosis of Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, defined as the absence of menstruation for at least three consecutive months not attributable to other endocrine disorders.
* Control Group (EU): Eumenorrheic women with regular ovulatory cycles lasting between 24 and 35 days during the previous six months.
* Commitment: Agreement to participate in a supervised 8-week resistance training program and provision of medical documentation confirming menstrual status.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Hormonal Status: Current use of any hormonal contraceptives.
* Medical Conditions: Diagnosed endocrine disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hyperandrogenism, or thyroid dysfunction.
Pregnancy: Current pregnancy.
* Physical Activity History: Engagement in any structured resistance training program during the three months prior to the start of the intervention.
* General Health: Any medical condition that could interfere with the study protocol or the ability to perform physical exercise.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.