Menopausal Status Linked to Increased Risk of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases

A recent study from the University of Milan has found a significant association between menopausal status and an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in obese women. The study, published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, analyzed the anthropometric, hormonal, and biochemical characteristics of 92 female outpatients, divided into four groups: normal-weight premenopausal, normal-weight postmenopausal, obese premenopausal, and obese postmenopausal women. The researchers found that postmenopausal obese women had significantly greater waist circumferences and higher levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, free androgen index, and leptin, which may contribute to cardiovascular risk.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that menopausal status is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in obese women.
• Postmenopausal obese women had significantly greater waist circumferences and higher levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, free androgen index, and leptin compared to premenopausal obese women.
• SHBG levels declined and FAI increased in postmenopausal obese women compared to premenopausal obese women.
• Serum leptin levels were higher in postmenopausal obese women than in premenopausal obese women, which may be related to greater abdominal fat deposition.
• The study suggests that menopausal status of uncomplicated obese women is associated with a greater abdominal fat deposition and higher values of free androgen index, which may be considered as factors of cardiovascular risk.
• The researchers analyzed the anthropometric, hormonal, and biochemical characteristics of 92 female outpatients, divided into four groups: normal-weight premenopausal, normal-weight postmenopausal, obese premenopausal, and obese postmenopausal women.

Statistics:

• Waist circumferences were significantly greater in postmenopausal obese women (p < 0.001) compared to premenopausal obese women.
• Total and LDL-cholesterol were high in postmenopausal normal-weight women, whereas in the obese subjects they were already elevated in the premenopausal period.
• SHBG levels declined and FAI increased in postmenopausal obese women compared to premenopausal obese women.
• Serum leptin levels were higher in postmenopausal obese women (167.4 ± 45.7) than in premenopausal obese women (125.6 ± 28.9) (p < 0.05).
• The study involved 92 female outpatients, including 24 normal-weight premenopausal, 24 normal-weight postmenopausal, 24 obese premenopausal, and 20 obese postmenopausal women.

Sources:

• Tufano, A., et al. (2004). Anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical differences in lean and obese women before and after menopause. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 27(7), 648-653.
• Ambrosi, B. (Contact person). University of Milan, Ist Policlin San Donato, Unita Endocrinol, Via Morandi 30, I-20097 Milan, Italy.
• Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. Editrice Kurtis S R L, Via Luigi Zoja 30, 20153 Milan, Italy.