PERCH Research Lab

Exercise, Stress, and Women’s Health Study

Banner with woman running.

If you believe you are eligible and would like to participate, please fill out our short survey and we will contact you shortly.

Location

  • 2-in-person visits to the UCCS Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center (4925 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO)
  • At-home monitoring

Are you eligible?

  • 18 to 35 years old
  • Regularly do running or cycling exercise for >= 30 minutes on 4 or more days per week
  • Have regular periods every 21-35 days
  • Are not taking and have not taken hormonal birth contraceptives in the past 6 months
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding and have not been for the past 12 months
  • Have never been diagnosed with a menstrual cycle disorder, metabolic, cardiovascular or lung disease

If you decide to participate, you would be asked to:

  • Monitor the length of your menstrual cycle, hormone levels, daily stress, physical activity, and diet habits for ~3 months
  • Provide and store several saliva samples at home
  • Come to the UCCS Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center for two 1.5 to 2 hour laboratory visits to measure your maximal aerobic capacity (e.g. VO2max), DXA body composition, and resting energy expenditure.

You maybe eligible to receive:

  • Information about your VO2max, DXA body composition, daily calorie requirements, and hormone levels
  • Up to $150 in electronic gift cards