Menopause, the gut microbiome, and weight gain: correlation or causation?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolism

Background:

• The gut microbiome regulates metabolism and estrogen metabolism.
• Menopause significantly alters the gut microbiome composition.
• Menopause is associated with increased metabolic risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the gut microbiome's role in menopause-related changes in body composition and metabolic risk.
• To investigate the interrelationship between the menopausal transition and gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on menopause, gut microbiome, and metabolic changes.
• Analysis of rodent studies on ovariectomy, estrogen, and metabolic parameters.

Main Results:

• Menopause alters the gut microbiome.
• Microbiome changes post-ovariectomy in rodents are linked to increased adiposity, decreased metabolic rate, and insulin resistance.
• Estrogen administration can attenuate these microbiome-associated metabolic changes.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in menopause-related metabolic alterations.
• Targeting the gut microbiome may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing menopause-related metabolic risks.