Estrogen, Menopause and Physical Performance (ERMA)

The ERMA study investigates how menopausal hormonal changes influence physical and psychological functioning, body composition, and muscle performance in middle-aged women. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the role of declining oestrogen levels in muscle health, functional capacity, health behaviour, and well-being during the menopausal transition. The project combines molecular biology, physiology, endocrinology, and sport and health science approaches.

ERMA is a population-based cohort study involving women aged 47–55 years across different menopausal stages. Data collection includes questionnaires, hormone measurements, body composition assessments, physical performance tests, accelerometer-based physical activity measurements, and, for selected participants, imaging and muscle biopsy analyses. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs are employed to capture the transition from premenopause to postmenopause.

ERMA study serves as the foundation for several subsequent projects, including EsmiRs and HoCa, which further investigate the biological mechanisms and health consequences of menopause.

Funding
Research Council of Finland (2014–2018)
Juho Vainio Foundation (2015–2017)

Research group
Principal Investigator
Eija Laakkonen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Other members of Laakkonen group

Katja Kokko, Research Director, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Taija Juutinen, Professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Collaborators
Central Finland Health Care District (currently Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland)
LIKES Research Center (currently Likes by JAMK)

Project website