Walking training and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio in postmenopause: An intervention study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The cortisol-to-dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) ratio is a significant health marker in postmenopausal women.
• Elevated ratios are linked to increased risks of metabolic syndrome, mortality, and cancer.
• Menopause is characterized by declining estrogen and DHEA-S, alongside rising cortisol levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a supervised walking program on the plasma cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio in postmenopausal women.
• To determine if exercise adherence influences the changes in this hormonal ratio.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one postmenopausal women engaged in a 13-week supervised walking program.
• Plasma cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measured before and after the intervention period.
• Linear mixed models were used to analyze the association between exercise volume, adherence, and the cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between the volume of exercise and changes in the cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio (p=0.03).
• Women with the highest adherence to the walking program showed a significant reduction in cortisol (p=0.016) and a near-significant increase in DHEA-S (p=0.084).
• Lower adherence did not result in significant changes in either hormone or their ratio.

Conclusions:

• Walking training can effectively reduce the plasma cortisol-to-DHEA-S ratio in postmenopausal women.
• A minimum level of exercise adherence is necessary to achieve significant improvements in this health marker.
• This study highlights the potential of exercise interventions to mitigate age-related hormonal changes and associated health risks.