Metabolic disorders in menopause

Abstract

Metabolic disorders occurring in menopause, including dyslipidemia, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (impaired glucose tolerance – IGT, type 2 diabetes mellitus – T2DM) or components of metabolic syndrome, constitute risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. A key role could be played here by hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and visceral obesity, all contributing to dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, alter coagulation and atherosclerosis observed during the menopausal period. Undiagnosed and untreated, metabolic disorders may adversely affect the length and quality of women's life. Prevention and treatment preceded by early diagnosis should be the main goal for the physicians involved in menopausal care. This article represents a short review of the current knowledge concerning metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid diseases) in menopause, including the role of a tailored menopausal hormone therapy (HT). According to current data, HT is not recommend as a preventive strategy for metabolic disorders in menopause. Nevertheless, as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent chronic diseases after menopause, menopausal hormone therapy, particularly estrogen therapy may be considered (after balancing benefits/risks and excluding women with absolute contraindications to this therapy). Life-style modifications, with moderate physical activity and healthy diet at the forefront, should be still the first choice recommendation for all patients with menopausal metabolic abnormalities.

The Risk of Being Obese According to Short Sleep Duration Is Modulated after Menopause in Korean Women

“…It is possible that the findings are associated with changes in reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as melatonin secretion after entering menopause [15,16]. These changes lead to metabolic changes such as increases in appetite, dietary consumption, and adiposity as well as alternation in energy homeostasis [19,20,21]. A study of a population of Brazilian females reported that postmenopausal women with higher BMI levels had high levels of TG and FG but low levels of HDL-C [22].…”

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pre- and postmenopausal women

“…In some cases, after an individual evaluation, hormone replacement therapy was recommended (44), which could have a positive effect on lipids by reducing total and LDL cholesterol and by slightly increasing HDL levels, as demonstrated in a meta-analysis (45).…”

Mechanical stretch activates glycometabolism‐related enzymes via estrogen in C2C12 myoblasts

“…It also increases circulating estrogen and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. So far, exercise is still the first choice for menopause women to alleviate symptoms due to metabolic disorders (Stachowiak, Pertynski, & Pertynska‐Marczewska, 2015; Sternfeld et al, 2014). Moreover, exercise increases the synthesis of local estrogen (Aizawa et al, 2011) and boosts the level of estrogen and aromatase in the muscle (Shi et al, 2019).…”