How a Soy Supplement (equol) Affects Blood Flow in Women After Menopause With or Without Kidney Disease
This study will test if a supplement called equol can help improve blood flow in women after menopause, both with and without kidney disease. Researchers will check how equol affects blood vessels one, two, and three hours after it’s taken.
Why this Research Matters
Up to 50 people from your area will take part in this study. The study is looking at a supplement called equol, which acts like the hormone estrogen and may help improve blood flow in women after menopause. If you join, you will visit CU Anschutz for one short visit (about 1.5 hours) and two longer visits (about 6 hours each). During these visits, you will have your blood drawn and your blood vessels checked using safe, non-invasive tests. You will also get free health info like your cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart activity.
What to Expect
The study will take place over about 2–3 weeks. First, you will have a visit (about 1.5 hours) to check your overall health and see if you qualify. This includes blood and urine tests, a heart check (ECG), and questions about your medical and family history. If you qualify, you will come back for two longer testing visits (about 6 hours each) at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. During these visits, your blood pressure will be checked, and you’ll have blood drawn before and after taking either an equol capsule or a placebo (a capsule with no active ingredient). You will also have safe, non-invasive tests to check how well your blood vessel flow responds. These include using ultrasound and a blood pressure cuff to measure how flexible your arteries are. All visits will be scheduled in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Study Duration
The study will last about 2 to 3 weeks and includes one short visit (about 1.5 hours) and two longer visits (about 6 hours each), all held at CU Anschutz.
Who can Participate
You may be able to join the study if you are:
- A woman aged 50 to 69 years
- Postmenopausal
- Non-smokers
- Not on any menopausal hormone therapy
- Either Generally healthy OR
- Have chronic kidney disease (CKD) but not on dialysis
Study ID
Protocol Number: 23-0070
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator