Validation of an Objective Instrument to Measure Hot Flashes During Menopause

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Using iButton® technology as an objective instrument to measure hot flash dynamics, the investigators will validate the technology in 12 perimenopausal women ages 45-60 y and BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2 who experience greater than or equal to 4 hot flashes per day. First, the investigators will validate the i...

Using iButton® technology as an objective instrument to measure hot flash dynamics, the investigators will validate the technology in 12 perimenopausal women ages 45-60 y and BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2 who experience greater than or equal to 4 hot flashes per day. First, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology against self-report (subjective) hot flash incidence in a real world, ambulatory condition (via a hot flash journal). Next, the investigators will validate the iButton® technology during a controlled, laboratory-stimulated hot flash using a tube-lined suit that circulates warm water uniformly around the lower limbs (Med-EngTM). During the stimulated hot flash, the investigators will simultaneously measure core body temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate alongside the iButton® to correlate (confirm) the observed thermoregulatory changes and further assess validity. To date, existing studies using iButtons® to assess changes in skin temperature have been conducted. Each subject will undergo a two-phased screening to determine eligibility. Pre-enrollment measurements will include standard anthropometrics (weight, height), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate), fasting blood draw, and questionnaires, as well as a 7-day hot flash journal that captures frequency and severity screening. Post-enrollment measurements will include simultaneous objective (via iButtons®) and subjective (via self-report journal) hot flash recordings (i.e., field testing), as well as a final laboratory visit will be conducted at Louisiana State University's School of Kinesiology and include body composition assessment, as well as the following assessments during a stimulated hot flash -- core temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, and heart rate.

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