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Asthma and the menopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis
E Zemp1, T Schikowski, J Dratva
1Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, Switzerland. Elisabeth.zemp@unibas.ch
Maturitas
|September 12, 2012
Summary
The menopausal transition is not significantly linked to asthma rates overall. However, women using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) showed an increased association between menopause and asthma incidence.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The menopausal transition is a significant life stage for women.
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions.
- The relationship between menopause and asthma requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature.
- To determine if the menopausal transition is associated with asthma incidence or prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and cross-sectional studies.
- Inclusion criteria: defined menopausal status, asthma diagnosis/prevalence, and association measure.
- Stratification by menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use where possible.
Main Results:
- Eight studies met inclusion criteria; six were included in the meta-analysis.
- Overall meta-analysis showed no significant association between menopause and asthma rates.
- An increased association between menopause and asthma was observed in women using MHT (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.74).
Conclusions:
- No significant association found between menopause and asthma prevalence/incidence, except for MHT users.
- Findings are based on a limited number of studies, highlighting the need for further research.
- Future studies should explore subgroup analyses and MHT's role in modifying the menopause-asthma association.
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