Menopause increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, says study

Each woman goes through a phase in life when she becomes more vulnerable to a number of health problems. This phase is commonly known as ‘perimenopause’. A new study based on data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging identified menopause as a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome or some of its components, including hypertension, central obesity, and high blood sugar.

The results of the study have been published online on menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

In Canada, the incidents of metabolic syndrome increasing with age can be witnessed in around 38% of the women, all aged around 60 to 79 years. It is indeed very important to understand what causes metabolic syndrome as it further leads to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer, the two of the leading causes of death in women.

Previously conducted studies have suggested a correlation between the onset of menopause and the development of metabolic syndrome, independent of aging. This study established a positive relationship between menopause and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Researchers analysed data from more than 10,000 women aged 45 to 85 years who participated in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

However, we have good news. Lifestyle interventions targeted at women with metabolic syndrome have proven effective in preventing type-2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk. Age at menopause and hormone therapy has been identified as possible modifiers of this relationship, although additional studies need to be conducted to quantify and confirm the same. 

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Study results in the article say:

“These results reaffirm the previously identified link between menopause and metabolic syndrome. Given the increased cardiovascular risk associated with metabolic syndrome and that heart disease remains the number one killer of women, this study highlights the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and risk reduction strategies in midlife women,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.

(With Inputs from ANI)