RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Understanding Cycles to Improve Women's Health

The C-HEALTH study aims to understand how things like where a woman lives (city or countryside) and her financial background (socioeconomic status) can impact her menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health. Researchers will look at hormone levels like progesterone, inflammation markers, and daily habits. Participants will use at-home kits to collect saliva and blood samples, and wear a smart ring to track body temperature and activity. The study wants to see if there are differences in hormone levels between women from different backgrounds and locations in southern France, ultimately helping us learn more about what makes a menstrual cycle healthy or unhealthy. This information could lead to better ways to support women's health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

320

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2029

Woman of Reproductive Age Socioeconomic Factors

What is this study about?

The C-HEALTH study is all about understanding women's menstrual cycles better. Doctors and scientists know that a healthy menstrual cycle is a good sign of a woman's overall health, but there's still a lot we don't fully understand about how different things in our lives and environment affect it. This study specifically focuses on how social factors, like your financial situation, and environmental factors, such as pollution or stress, might change hormone patterns and menstrual health.

The main goal is to compare levels of a hormone called progesterone during a specific part of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) among women from different financial backgrounds who live in either city or countryside areas in southern France. They also want to look at other hormones, inflammation, and how regular cycles are, including any problems like pain or unusual bleeding. By doing this, they hope to identify what environmental factors might be linked to changes in hormones or menstrual cycle issues. The results could help us better understand what contributes to a healthy menstrual cycle for all women.

Ultimately, this research could give us important insights into how our surroundings and life circumstances impact our bodies. This knowledge could help healthcare professionals offer better advice and support to women to improve their reproductive health and wellbeing. It's a key step in understanding a fundamental part of women's health.

Key takeaways

The C-HEALTH study explores how environment and wealth affect women's periods.
It involves tracking hormones, inflammation, and daily lifestyle.
Participants will collect samples at home and wear a smart ring.
It aims to compare women from different backgrounds in southern France.
The study does not involve any medication or medical treatments.
Participation could help improve understanding of women's reproductive health for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women between 18 and 39 years old who have regular periods. You can't be using any hormonal contraception (like the pill, patch, or coil) and must have stopped using it at least six months before joining. You should also live and work in the same environment, either urban or rural, and know your period dates for the last three cycles.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from taking part, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, severe diabetes, thyroid issues, or certain heart or autoimmune diseases. If you've been diagnosed with or treated for a mental health condition, or if you've recently been pregnant or breastfeeding (within the last two months), you wouldn't be able to join. You also need to be comfortable collecting your own samples (like saliva and blood drops) and have access to a smartphone and a freezer at home. Participants must be able to read French and have national health insurance.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 18 and 39 years old?
Have you been off hormonal contraception for at least 6 months?
Do you have fairly regular periods (between 21 and 45 days)?
Do you know the dates of your last 3 periods?
Are you comfortable collecting your own saliva and blood spot samples?
Do you have a smartphone and a -20°C freezer at home?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the C-HEALTH study, you'll first have two in-person visits. The first is to check if you're suitable for the study, and the second is for training on how to collect your own samples at home. After these initial visits, you'll collect samples and information during one full menstrual cycle. This involves taking daily saliva samples, collecting blood drops five times during the cycle, and wearing a smart ring for most of the day (22 hours a day for 60 days) to track your body temperature and activity. You'll also need to record daily symptoms and lifestyle information. There will be one follow-up visit during your cycle, and you'll complete your involvement by sending in your final samples. The total duration of your active participation, including sample collection, will be for one menstrual cycle, with the smart ring usage continuing for up to 60 days. You won't be given any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help advance our understanding of women's reproductive health, which is a potential benefit to others in the future. You might also gain some personal insights into your own cycle health from the data collected. The main risks involve the minor discomfort of collecting saliva and blood samples, and the commitment required to wear a smart ring and record daily information. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the C-HEALTH study trying to find out?

It's trying to learn how where you live (city or country) and your financial situation might affect your menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

What will I have to do if I join the study?

You'll collect daily saliva and some blood samples at home, wear a smart ring, and record daily information about your health and lifestyle.

Is this study giving me any medication?

No, this is an observational study, which means it observes and collects information; no medication is given.

Who can't join this study?

Women with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, or those using hormonal contraception, are not eligible. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also cannot participate.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active involvement will cover one menstrual cycle for data and sample collection, and you'll wear the smart ring for up to 60 days.

How to find out more

Alexandra ALVERGNE, PhD

alexandra.alvergne@umontpellier.fr +33467144966 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.