[Multiple benefits of physical exercise in menopausal women]

In postmenopausal women, metabolic and cardiovascular risks are increased not only because of aging but also in relation to estrogen deprivation, decreased physical activity and dietary changes. Accordingly, an increase in total fat mass and its intra-abdominal component, a decrease in lean body mass, an atherogenic dyslipidemia, decreased glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and an increase in procoagulant factors are ensuing, in a manner similar to the metabolic syndrome X and its accompanying risk for cardiovascular disease. Physical exercise concurs with an appropriate diet to weight loss, increases lean body mass and altogether energy expenditure, decreases total body fat mass and visceral fat, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces fibrinogenemia and optimizes hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, physical exercise contributes to protecting bone mass and may be associated with a decreased risk of estrogen-dependent breast and endometrial carcinomas at the postmenopause. In association with a balanced diet, and estrogen administration, physical exercise significantly contributes to metabolic fitness and decreased cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.