Presenting on “Hormonal Regulation of Tendon ECM Dynamics Across the Menstrual Cycle”.

Brianne Connizzo, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical and mechanical engineering at Boston University, will speak on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 10 am Central Time in Whitaker 218.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal tissues including tendons and ligaments are dynamic structures that continuously remodel in response to mechanical loading and biochemical signals. Accumulating evidence suggests that hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, yet the temporal dynamics of these changes and their functional implications remain poorly understood. We present recent findings on how estrogen and progesterone modulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan turnover, mechanosensing capacity, and structural properties across different phases of the menstrual/estrous cycle. We will discuss how understanding these cycle-dependent changes in tissue remodeling may inform strategies for optimizing musculoskeletal health and performance in women, and provide insights into tissue aging and menopausal transitions. These findings highlight the importance of considering hormonal status and cycle phase as biological variables in musculoskeletal research and clinical practice.