Relationship between reproductive aging, body composition, hormonal status and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the relationship between different anthropometric indicators, reproductive aging and hormonal status in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome.

Methods One hundred and forty non-surgical, postmenopausal women were enrolled to this cross-sectional study. Each participant completed a questionnaire and underwent a medical examination, including measurements of body mass index, weight and body composition criteria. Body composition was evaluated with measurements of the waist-to-hip circumference ratio and skinfold thickness (triceps, suprailiac and front thigh). Levels were determined of serum lipids, including cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, and also fasting blood sugar, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol and testosterone. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III.

Results Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between weight (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.01) and SHBG (p = 0.021) with risk for metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion Age, SHBG and weight are critical correlates of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Key words::

• BODY COMPOSITION
• HORMONAL STATUS
• REPRODUCTIVE AGING
• METABOLIC SYNDROME
• MENOPAUSE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was carried out with the kind cooperation of the participating patients. We would also like to thank Mrs Moghadam for her secretarial assistance.

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding This study was funded by Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.