Amygdala Insula Retraining in the Management of Perimenopause Symptoms
Chronic Conditions Research Fund
Summary
The goal of this study is to evaluate a neuroplasticity-based mind-body intervention, Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR), compared to a wait-list control in individuals experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. Our research questions include: Does AIR reduce overall perimenopausal symptom burden compared to a wait-list control? Does AIR improve sleep disturbance, vasomotor symptom interference, fatigue, mood, anxiety, and quality of life in perimenopausal individuals? Are symptom changes associated with improvements in autonomic regulation and sleep parameters, as reflected by exploratory wearable measures including heart rate variability?
Description
Perimenopause is a transitional reproductive stage marked by fluctuations in ovarian steroid hormones. It is often associated with sleep disruption, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, cognitive changes, and diminished quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that, in addition to hormonal changes, alterations in central threat processing, interoception, and autonomic nervous system regulation may contribute to symptom amplification and persistence during this period. Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR) is a structured, neuroplasticity-based behavioral intervention designed to modulate the aut…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 38–61 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Experiencing perimenopausal symptoms * Meets STRAW+10 criteria based on self-assessment * Able to read and understand English * Access to internet Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Presence of a severe psychiatric condition requiring immediate clinical intervention * Uncontrolled thyroid disease or prolactinoma * Active cancer treatment * Inability to provide informed consent * Any medical or psychiatric condition that, in the judgment of the investigator or study team, would interfere with safe participation or study completion
Interventions
- BehavioralAmygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR)
Mind-body brain retraining intervention
Location
- Luther College Department of PsychologyDecorah, Iowa