Feasibility of Different Types of Exercise Training in Perimenopausal Females

Participants will be randomized to 1 of 3 groups and complete a 6 week intervention: 1) Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) following the Health Canada guidelines (Group 1); 2) High-intensity interval training (HIIT) (Group 2); or 3) Stretching (Group 3). Before and after the intervention, participants will complete questionnaires to assess your menopause symptoms, stress levels and quality of life. Before and after the intervention the research team will also assess participants' body composition (fat mass and muscle mass) using a BodPod, and insulin sensitivity using an oral glucose tolerance testing with blood sampling. After the intervention, investigators will also ask that participants complete questionnaires that indicate how easy and enjoyable the intervention was to follow.

Inclusion criteria

• Biological females in early and late perimenopause. Menopausal stage will be defined according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 (STRAW+10). According to STRAW+10, perimenopause is characterized by menstrual cycle irregularity, specifically defined as having bleeding in the previous 12 months but at least a 7-day difference from usual menstrual cycle length
• Experiencing menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats, joint stiffness)
• Aged 40 years or older
• Multiple risk factors for cardiometabolic disease, namely being sedentary (<30 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity/week), having a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and a waist circumference indicative of abdominal obesity, specific to BMI (e.g., BMI 25-29.9: WC: 90cm; BMI 30-34.9: WC: 105cm; BMI 35-35.9: WC:115cm).

Exclusion criteria

• History of reproductive surgeries including oophorectomy, hysterectomy, ablation or gender-affirming.
• Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer (except for non-melanoma skin cancer), respiratory disease (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or severe or uncontrolled asthma), uncontrolled hyper- or hypogonadism (change in medication or dosage in last 6 months and with major symptoms), and/or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Major signs or symptoms (regardless of known diagnosis) of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or renal disease
• The use of medication that could impact blood glucose
• Pregnant or post-partum <12 months, lactating or breast feeding within 3 months of the start of study
• Recreational smoking (e.g., tobacco, smoking)
• Actively engaging in a low-carbohydrate diet (e.g., ketogenic, Atkins)
• Using transdermal hormones, taking exogenous hormones, or receiving exogenous hormones from other means (e.g., intrauterine device)
• Significant weight loss (i.e., >5 kg) in past 3 months or currently taking weight loss medications