Female Sex Hormone and Menopause Effects on Cortico-reticular Functioning
Post-menopausal women who request to begin hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) are directed to the research team. The participants are tested before beginning HRT, after two months of HRT, and five months of HRT. Tests include strength performance, central nervous system functioning, body composition, resting metabolic rate, and vascular screening. The participants are provided a 12-week training intervention (2 x strength, 2 x endurance per week) that can be voluntarily followed between tests at month 2 and 5. Compliance with the training program is recorded. A minimum of 15 participants are needed a priori, but the investigators aim to recruit and test 20 women.
• at least 6 months since their last period but no more than being 5 years post-menopausal
• basal follicular-stimulating hormone concentration \> 30 IU/L (confirmed post-recruitment)
• willing to start combined hormonal treatment
• womb and ovaries intact with normal functioning throughout reproductive age
• willing to provide informed consent
• does not have any of the exclusion criteria for TMS measurements according to Rossi et al. (2021 Clin Neurophysiol. 132(1):269-306.) (i.e. arterial hypertension, heart attack/seizure history, migraine, pacemaker or cochlear implant or other implanted metal/electronic device)