Women’s Brain Health Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study on brain and memory changes during perimenopause for women in midlife.
Fast Facts
Not Using Hormonal Birth Control & Able to Undergo an MRI
Ages 42-52
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
Understanding How the Menopause Transition Affects the Brain
Every woman who lives into midlife will experience menopause—a natural but complex transition marked by widespread changes in the body and brain. While past studies have shown that memory can decline during this time, we still know very little about the underlying brain changes that occur, especially during perimenopause, the most dynamic phase of the transition. This gap in knowledge is especially urgent given that menopause is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to women’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
To address this, researchers are launching a comprehensive, longitudinal study of 224 women in the late reproductive to early menopausal transition. Over seven visits spaced two years apart, participants will undergo advanced brain imaging, hormone testing, cardiovascular assessments, and sleep and symptom tracking. The goal is to better understand how brain structure, memory, and Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers change during perimenopause—and what factors may protect or increase risk. This research could help shape future prevention strategies for women’s brain health at midlife and beyond.
Study Background
Understanding How the Menopause Transition Affects the Brain
All women who reach middle adulthood will experience menopause—a natural but complex transition marked by widespread changes in the body and brain. While past studies have shown that memory can decline during this time, we still know very little about the underlying brain changes that occur, especially during perimenopause, the most dynamic phase of the transition. This gap in knowledge is especially urgent given that menopause is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to women’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
To address this, researchers are launching a comprehensive, longitudinal study of 224 women in the late reproductive to early menopausal transition. Across seven visits over two years, participants will complete advanced brain imaging, hormone testing, cardiovascular assessments, and sleep and symptom tracking. The goal is to better understand how brain structure, memory, and Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers change during perimenopause—and what factors may protect or increase risk. This research could help shape future prevention strategies for women’s brain health at midlife and beyond.
Additional Information
This study is being done to understand how the brain and memory change during the menopause transition, especially during perimenopause—a time of major hormonal shifts and increased risk for memory decline. Researchers hope to uncover early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and identify factors that may protect brain health in midlife women.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy women aged 42-52 years old
Have a uterus and at least one ovary
Exclusion Criteria:
- Use of hormone therapies or hormonal contraceptives (Some local-acting vaginal creams and tablets are okay. Non-hormonal birth control like the copper Paragard IUD are also okay)
- Ineligibility for MRI (metal in the body, claustrophobia)
- Use of sleep-affecting medications (prescription sleep aids, opioids, stimulants)
If you join the study, you’ll take part in seven visits over two years. Here’s what that looks like:
Wave 1 (Start): Three half-day visits
1 Year Later: One short check-in (a couple of hours)
Wave 2 (End): Three more half-day visits, same as Wave 1
Participants who complete all study procedures will receive up to $575 in total compensation—including $250 for Wave 1, $125 for the Interim Visit, and $200 for Wave 2—plus reimbursement for parking or metro bus fare at each session.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.