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Study identifier: NCT07258576 Synced from ClinicalTrials.gov · July 29, 2026
● Recruiting

Menstrual Cycle vs. Oral Contraceptives: Effects on Muscle Protein Metabolism After Resistance Exercise

Condition: Female Sex Hormones · Menstrual Cycle · Oral Contraceptives  ·  Sponsor: University of Toronto

PhaseNA
Planned participants20
Who can joinFemale, 18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteersYes

About this study

The muscles of the body are constantly breaking down old proteins and building new ones. These two processes, protein breakdown and protein synthesis, together are known as protein turnover. Protein turnover is essential for maintaining healthy muscle. Despite its importance, females have historically been underrepresented in protein metabolism research. A long-standing assumption has been that fluctuations in female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, whether across the natural menstrual cycle or in individuals using oral contraceptives (OCs), make metabolism and training responses too variable to study. Because of this, many researchers have excluded female participants for logistical reasons. Resistance exercise, such as weightlifting, is the most effective way to increase muscle size and strength. Each resistance-training session triggers muscle protein synthesis (MPS), the process by which new muscle proteins are built. Consuming dietary protein or individual amino acids further increases the rate at which new proteins are formed. Over time, higher rates of protein synthesis support muscle growth and the maintenance of other lean tissues in the body. The purpose of this study is to examine how menstrual cycle phases and OC use influence the synthesis of proteins in both muscle tissue and the rest of the body. Improving scientific understanding in this area will support more effective, evidence-based training and nutrition recommendations for females.

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

Talk to the study team

Daniel R Moore, PhD  ·  4169464088  ·  dr.moore@utoronto.ca

Ines Kortebi, PhD Candidate  ·  ines.kortebi@mail.utoronto.ca

Always discuss trial participation with your own doctor first.

Locations (1)

Goldring Center for High Performance SportToronto, Ontario, CanadaRecruiting

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Source record: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07258576