Menopause & Heart Health Research Study
Researchers at Mass General Brigham are conducting a study to better understand how menopause and related hot flashes may affect heart health in women.
Fast Facts
Women aged 40-65
Nearing or have undergone menopause
Compensation
provided
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
Researchers at Mass General Brigham are conducting a study on menopause and heart health in women.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham are studying how menopause-related hot flashes may be connected to heart health in women. Changes during menopause may affect the body in ways that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. By examining these changes, researchers hope to better understand how menopause impacts heart health and overall well-being.
The findings from this study may help improve how doctors identify and reduce heart disease risk during and after menopause.
Study Background
Researchers at Mass General Brigham are conducting a study on menopause and heart health in women.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham are studying how menopause-related hot flashes may be connected to heart health in women. Changes during menopause may affect the body in ways that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. By examining these changes, researchers hope to better understand how menopause impacts heart health and overall well-being.
The findings from this study may help improve how doctors identify and reduce heart disease risk during and after menopause.
Additional Information
In this research study, researchers at Mass General Brigham are trying to better understand how menopause-related hot flashes may affect heart health in women. Hormonal changes during menopause may influence the body in ways that impact the cardiovascular system.
This study will examine how hot flashes are related to changes in blood vessels and other markers of heart health. Researchers will measure several factors, including blood markers, vascular function, and other health indicators, to better understand this connection.
By learning more about how menopause symptoms relate to heart health, this research may help improve how doctors identify and manage heart disease risk in women during and after menopause.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women aged 40–65
- Nearing menopause or have undergone menopause
- Have at least two of the following cardiometabolic conditions:
- Obesity (BMI of at least 30)
- Elevated waist circumference (at least 35 inches)
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar or diabetes
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of major medical conditions such as cancer, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, or autoimmune disease
- History of coronary artery disease, including heart attack, unstable angina, or coronary revascularization
- Currently taking birth control or have an IUD
The entire study lasts about 16 weeks. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In person: Up to five study visits at Mass General Brigham. During these visits, researchers will review your medical history and menopause symptoms, perform a physical exam, measure your height, weight, blood pressure, and waist circumference, and collect blood samples. Additional procedures will include placing an IV, collecting cells from a vein, a cardiac PET scan, and an ultrasound of the brachial artery in your right arm.
At home: You may also be asked to keep an electronic diary to track menopause-related hot flashes and symptoms throughout the study.
As a participant, you will receive compensation for your time.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.