J Korean Soc Menopause.  2011 Dec;17(3):127-135. 10.6118/jksm.2011.17.3.127.

Metabolic Syndrome Emerging from Menopause

• Han M

• KMID: 1444800
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6118/jksm.2011.17.3.127

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) in women, which is characterized with central obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, is associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Menopause may be related with the prevalence of MS and increased CVD risk through effects on central obesity, lipid metabolism, and prothrombotic state. The emergence of these risk factors may be a direct result from the failure of estrogen production. Alternatively, metabolic changes with estrogen deficiency may be the indirect cause of those risks. Additionally, most women may have a few chances of developing MS during their life, such as pregnancy-related weight gain, hormonal contraceptive use and polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that menopause itself can be the cause of MS. Representative managements of MS are life style modification and use of lipid lowering medication. This article will review the relationship between the development of MS and menopause. A better understanding on the metabolic changes with menopause will help identify women with risk factors of CVD and provide appropriate interventions

Keyword

Cardiovascular disease; Menopause; Metabolic syndrome X

MeSH Terms

Cardiovascular Diseases
Dyslipidemias
Estrogens
Female
Humans
Insulin Resistance
Life Style
Lipid Metabolism
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome X
Obesity, Abdominal
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Weight Gain
Estrogens

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Women's Health Initiative CEE/MPA study graph of incidence of diabetes with time. CEE/MPA: conjugated equine estrogen/medroxyprogesterone acetate, CI: confidence interval, HR: hazard ratio.

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  Fig. 2 Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and risk factors according to the hormone therapy groups. MetS: metabolic syndrome, WC: waist circumference, BP: blood pressure, TG: triglyceride, HDL: high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HT: hormone therapy.

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