The effect of menopause on serum cholesterol in American (Pima) Indian women

Serum cholesterol levels in Pima Indian women were investigated to determine if menopause caused these levels to rise. The mean cholesterol values of 148 pre-menopausal women aged 34-54 when age-matched with 75 post-menopausal women were not significantly different. Sixty-five women passed through menopause while under observation and were examined sequentially for an average of 6.1 years. Their mean pre- and post-menopausal cholesterol levels of 182 +/- 5 mg/100 ml and 180 +/- 5 mg/100 ml were similar. Nor did menopause alter cholesterol levels in the subgroups of these patients with diabetes mellitus. Cholesterol levels in both Pima males and females showed no age-related rise, and were 20-30% lower than white populations. This study provides additional evidence against the postulated relationship between menopause and serum cholesterol.