We are looking to recruit 16 female athletes who are aerobically trained. Most participants will be naturally menstruating. But we are also looking to recruit a limited number of participants who have irregular or absent menstrual cycles and/or who are using hormonal contraceptives.

 

This study will include a baseline fitness test and 2 treadmill exercise sessions. The total time commitment for the study will be around 5 hours and will be spread out across 3 different visits to the exercise lab. We will also be using newer devices called continuous glucose monitors (also known as CGM)  to monitor glucose over 30 days. 

For athletes with a regular menstrual cycle, we will look at blood glucose during and after exercise at two times. Once, 2-5 days after the start of your period and the other about a week before your period. The figure below represents a typical 28-day menstrual cycle and the time frame for each exercise session. Continuous Glucose Monitors will be worn for the entire menstrual cycle length. Each CGM lasts for 10 days and will allow researchers to track daily blood glucose.

 

If you are using a hormonal contraceptive or do not have a regular menstrual cycle, the timing of the sessions will be adapted.  

 

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are a female athlete and:

• are between 18-40 years old

• train at least 5 times/week

• are interested in seeing your own blood glucose levels in exercise and recovery

• are interested in learning more about your menstrual cycle (or its absence)

 

By the end of the study, you can choose to receive your:

• Individual VO2max results

• Blood glucose data for the duration of your menstrual cycle

• Information about your menstrual cycle

• Body composition results