Weight gain and cardiovascular risk factors in the post-menopausal woman

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the post-menopausal woman. The natural menopause does not appear to be an independent risk factor (or a minor one) for coronary heart disease. Obesity, more precisely excessive intra-abdominal fat, is a cardiovascular risk factor especially with regard to the metabolic risk factors associated with this type of obesity. There is a progressive increase in weight gain at the age of menopause but this weight gain is related to ageing independent of whether women are post-menopausal or not, or treated with oestrogens or not. At the same time, there is a central redistribution of fat with a decrease in gluteo--femoral fat and an increase in intra-abdominal fat with an associated muscle mass loss. This trend to central obesity obviously favours an increased cardiovascular risk. With regard to weight gain, these changes in body composition are related to ageing. Different factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, GH secretion, etc.) may be involved. Are these changes related to menopause? Can hormonal replacement therapy prevent them? The results of the studies in this field are not consistent and these questions remain under debate.

Monitorizando a terapia de reposição estrogênica (TRE) na menopausa

“…A maioria dos estudos em que se acompanha a RCQ analisa grupo controle e pacientes em TRH após períodos de um a quinze anos (2,(23)(24)(25)(26). Observamos redução da RCQ bastante precoce, já no primeiro mês.…”

Menopause-Related Symptoms and Help Seeking Behavior among Women Attended at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

“…This finding is a source of concern as they are often untrained and help to perpetrate the vicious circle of counterfeit and death [27]. The Unfriendly attitude of health workers, perceived high cost of hospital services lack of drugs and basic laboratory services, non availability of a regular physician on seat at the facility and delays in services in hospital could have accounted for this [28]. Health care providers need to treat the person from a lifestyle management perspective.…”

“…In this perspective establishment of a "health care corner for perimenopausal women" would be a good step to address this health issue. So the women can perceive menopause as an opportunity to concentrate on new activities and bring out the best in her [28].…”

Association of obesity with serum estrogen level in postmenopausal women

“…Its de ciency contributes to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. 3 Some other study reported that greater increased in waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, body mass index in postmenopausal women than that of premenopausal women. [10][11][12] Opposite nding was reported by some investigators who did not nd any signi cant di erence in BMI value in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.…”

“…It is associated with premature atherosclerosis, as well as with many metabolic alteration including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. 3 ere is a progressive increase in weight in postmenopausal women. It is represented by central redistribution fat with decrease in gluteofemoral fat and increase in intra-abdominal fat.…”