The anabolic effect of estrogen on skeletal muscle mass and performance

2021.08.09 | Graduate School of Health

On Tuesday 17 August at 13:00, Tine Vrist Dam defends her PhD dissertation entitled "The anabolic effect of estrogen on skeletal muscle mass and performance".

For the first time the isolated effect of transdermal estrogen therapy and resistance training on muscle growth has been investigated in af group of early postmenopausal women. Furthermore the effect of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle on physical performance and mental wellbeing has been investigatedin a group of normal menstruating women, in a new project from Aarhus University, Health.

The level of female sex hormones changes, not only through a woman’s lifespan, but also fluctuates in every menstrual cycle. This change in hormones may possible influence skeletal muscle mass, strength and physical performance. Changes that can be relevant for postmenopausal women with the aim of maintaing muscle mass, or for premenopausal women who wishes to perform their very best in competitions or plan their training after their ability to perform. The current thesis consists of two studies. Study I it has been investigating if estrogen therapy had a synergistic effect, compared to placebo, on skeletal muscle mass hypertrophy after 12 weeks of resistance training, in 31 early postmenopausal women. In Study II, the possible effect of fluctuations in female sex hormones, in premenopausal women, on physical performance and mental wellbeing, will be investigated.   

The summary is written by the PhD student.   

The defence is public and takes place in the Auditorium at Section for Sports Science, Aarhus University, Dalgas Avenue 4, 8000 Aarhus C. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Tine Vrist Dam

Mail: tinedam@ph.au.dk

Phone: (+45) 29638425

Read full press release