New research based on data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging identified theMenopause as a risk factorfor metabolic syndrome. In addition, development of some of its components, including hypertension, central obesity and high blood sugar, is possible. The incidence of this syndrome increases with age and is 38% in women aged 60 to 79 years. It is important to understand what causes metabolic syndrome. This condition can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer and prove to be a leading cause of death in women.
Causes of metabolic syndrome
Some previous studies have suggested an association between the onset of menopause and the development of metabolic syndrome regardless of age. However, this study analyzed data from more than 10,000 women aged 45 to 85. Researchers found a strong link between menopause and increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. As women age and enter menopause, the prevalence of diabetes increases. In particularin postmenopausal womenWith increased abdominal fat, there is a risk of type 2 diabetes due to the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Recent studies have shown that even women of normal weight may be at increased risk of diabetes if they are metabolically unhealthy. Metabolic health is based on the combined levels of blood sugar, triglycerides and dense lipoprotein, as well as blood pressure and waist circumference.
However, the good news is that lifestyle interventions for women with metabolic syndrome have been shown to be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Age at menopause and theUse of hormone therapythe scientists have also identified as possible modifiers of this relationship. Increased fat distribution during menopause has long been shown to increase insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes. However, additional studies are needed to better quantify their effect.
Research results
The study results appear in the article “The Impact of Menopause on Metabolic Syndrome: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging.” These results confirm the previously identified association between menopause and metabolic syndrome. Given the increased cardiovascular risk associated with metabolic syndrome and the fact that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in womenthis studythe importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and risk reduction strategies in midlife.
