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Heart disease risk determines menopausal age rather than the reverse
Helen S Kok1, Kristel M van Asselt, Yvonne T van der Schouw
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|May 16, 2006
Summary
Harmful cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol and weight gain, are linked to earlier menopause. This suggests heart disease risk influences menopausal timing, offering new insights into cardiovascular disease and hormone replacement therapy studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Early menopause increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.
- While menopause is often seen as a risk factor for CVD, this study explores the reverse hypothesis.
- Investigating premenopausal cardiovascular risk as a determinant of menopausal age is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if an adverse cardiovascular risk profile accelerates the onset of menopause.
- To examine the relationship between premenopausal cardiovascular health markers and age at natural menopause.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Framingham Heart Study cohort (n=695) of premenopausal women.
- Assessed premenopausal levels and changes in serum total cholesterol, relative weight, blood pressure, and Framingham risk score.
- Followed participants biennially to determine age at natural menopause.
Main Results:
- Higher premenopausal serum total cholesterol and increases in cholesterol, relative weight, and blood pressure were associated with earlier menopause.
- Decreased serum total cholesterol correlated with later menopause; decreased blood pressure showed a non-significant trend towards later menopause.
- A 1% increase in premenopausal Framingham risk score was linked to an 1.8-year earlier menopause.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that cardiovascular risk influences the age of menopause.
- This provides a novel explanation for observed inconsistencies in CVD rates related to menopausal age.
- Results may impact understanding of hormone replacement therapy effects in relation to menopausal timing and cardiovascular health.