How Seasons Affect Kidney Health in Post-Menopausal Females

Seasonal Changes in Kidney Function Among Female Adults Post-Menopause

The investigators are assessing how seasonal changes affect kidney function biomarkers in post-menopausal women, an understudied group. While heat stress can reduce kidney function, previous research has not accounted for physical activity, diet, hydration, or sun exposure.

Intense heat stress on the body can reduce kidney function. A recent study reported that blood markers of kidney function are lower among people in hotter climates. However, these data did not consider physical activity, food intake, fluid intake, time spent outdoors, or exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the investigators invite participants to help determine whether there are seasonal changes in kidney function biomarkers. This will also help the investigators understand if physical activity, food intake, fluid intake, time spent outdoors, or exposure to sunlight affect kidney function biomarkers between seasons. The investigators are studying female adults post-menopause since they are an understudied group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female aged ≥55 years old
• Self Reported as at least one year post-menopause
• Live in Tallahassee, Florida, or the surrounding area

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2
• Systolic blood pressure of ≥140 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg
• Self Reported Current or recent (regular use within the past six months) use of a diuretic medication
• Self Reported: Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, liver, or metabolic health condition
• Current or recent (regular use within the past six months) use of tobacco, nicotine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory products
• No regular (≥once per week) purposeful heat exposure (e.g., sauna, spa, etc.)