The Associations Between Body Mass Index, Smoking, and Alcohol Intake with Ovarian Volume in Midlife Women

Despite the fact that ovarian volume is a marker of reproductive aging, there is little understanding of factors related to ovarian volume among aging women. The objective of this analysis was to examine the associations between body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, and alcohol intake with ovarian volume among midlife women.

Data were analyzed from 771 women (45-54 years of age at baseline) enrolled in the Midlife Women's Health Study, a cohort study that was initiated in 2006. At annual clinic visits, height and weight were measured, a transvaginal ultrasound was performed to measure ovarian volume, blood was drawn to measure hormone concentrations, and a comprehensive questionnaire was administered. Generalized linear models and repeated measures mixed models were conducted to examine the associations between BMI, cigarette smoking, and alcohol intake with ovarian volume, adjusting for age and race.

Age was significantly and negatively associated with ovarian volume. However, BMI, smoking, and alcohol use were not associated with ovarian volume either when stratified by menopausal status or when adjusting for age and race. Estradiol, but not progesterone or testosterone, was significantly and positively associated with ovarian volume overall and among both white and black participants (p < 0.05).

This study provides insight into the associations between BMI, smoking, and alcohol use with ovarian volume among midlife women. The findings are somewhat consistent with the published literature and, thus, indicate that these factors may not be clinically important in terms of ovarian volume during the menopausal transition.