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.