Guidelines for optimizing rigor and reproducibility in inclusion of premenopausal females in integrative physiology research

Abstract

Increased inclusion of females in research has been recommended and discussed extensively in recent years. To enhance rigor, reproducibility, and generalizability of results, it is important to ensure that physiological research, particularly studies of female physiology, is comparable. In this Guidelines review, we seek to highlight factors to consider and potentially control, depending on the specific research question and outcomes of interest, to enhance generalizability. We also provide recommendations for enhancing various study designs and for using specific terminology to enhance the ability for comparison across research studies. The goal of this Guidelines is to provide tools for research design, inclusion of premenopausal females, and relevant and appropriate controls, even when investigations are resource, study design (time, structure), or population constrained, by providing no-cost solutions.