Does Estrogen Blunt the Effects of Exercise Training on Glycemic Control

Inclusion criteria

• Biological males (with no previous hormonal supplementation).
• Between the ages of 18-35 years old
• Non-smokers
• Sedentary individuals (i.e., engaging in intentional moderate-to-vigorous physical activity <2x/week)
• Body mass index 27-32 kg/m2
• Body fat % > 22%

Exclusion criteria

• Any state that can impact the hormonal milieu (e.g., drug/hormonal supplementation related to health).
• Usage of anti-inflammatory medications, >1 glucose lowering medications, insulin, platelet inhibitors, anti-coagulant medications or simvastatin, beta-blockers, weight loss medications (Orlistat, Saxenda, Contrave, Ozempic) or any medications known to affect protein metabolism (i.e., corticosteroids).
• Presence of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, autoimmune or renal disease.
• Presence of any condition that makes the participant unable to participate in physical activity as determined using the CSEP Get Active Questionnaire.
• Presence of injury that restricts exercise performance.
• VO2max > 50th percentile for age.
• Previous (within the last 2 months) or current use of ergogenic aids (i.e. creatine).
• Previous or current use of weight loss medications, including liraglutide, semaglutide, orlistat, ozempic, etc.
• History and/or diagnosis of blood clots or family history of blood clot disorders.
• History of allergies or sensitivities to local anesthetic
• Ophthalmic vascular disease
• Classical migraines
• History of thromboembolic disease
• Consume 15 or more alcoholic drinks/week or 3 drinks per day
• Bleeding disorders
• Severe peripheral neuropathy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Prior bariatric surgery
• Osteoporosis/osteopenia
• Orthopaedic issues
• Presence of GI disorders (i.e., Colitis, Crohns disease, Celiac disease)
• Presence of liver disease or dysfunction (i.e., diagnosed NAFLD, NASH, cirrhosis, previous liver transplant)
• History of cancer
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes
• Presence of renal disorders (creatinine > 140)
• Uncontrolled hypertension (>140/90 mmHg)
• History of allergies or sensitivities to estradiol or to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container
• History and/or diagnosis of blood clots or family history of blood clot disorders
• Have an implantable electronic device
• Medical psychiatric history of depression, bipolar, anxiety, suicidal ideation, etc.
• Inherited clotting disorders
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disorder)
• Significant weight loss in the 3-month period prior to the study (10% of total body weight)
• Any kind of major surgery recently
• Bleeding disorders
• Active or history of thromboembolic disease (including confirmed venous thromboembolism)
• Ophthalmic vascular disease
• Classical migraines