Investigating the Impact of Sex Hormones in Multiple Sclerosis (NCT07081594)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Emerging evidence indicates that females with MS experience worsened symptoms during the luteal phase (post ovulation) of the menstrual cycle when progesterone levels rise and estradiol fluctuate. The rapid hormonal swings may disrupt hypothalamic regulation, leading to an increase in body temperature - a well-established trigger for MS symptom exacerbation. These hormonal changes could also affect neuromuscular function, as estradiol and progesterone receptors are present in the nervous system and skeletal muscles. Three critical aspects of motor rehabilitation are corticospinal excitability, motor learning, and fatigability. Previous research indicates that corticospinal excitability and the capacity to learn fine motor tasks fluctuate across menstrual cycles, indicating hormonal influences on neuroplasticity. However, it remains unclear how these hormonal fluctuations specifically affect corticospinal excitability, motor learning, and motor fatigability in females with MS. Understanding these relationships could significantly improve rehabilitation approaches. For example, pre-menopause females with MS may experience a more optimal state for neuroplasticity during the follicular phase of their cycles, therefore providing a potential window for greater rehabilitation efficacy.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (4 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — Chicago, Illinois
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Another diagnosis (e.g., peripheral neuropathies or orthopedic)
- Pregnancy as confirmed by urine test
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Taking antipsychotic medications / does not pass the TMS safety checklist
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — Chicago, Illinois
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.