Menopause modulates the circulating metabolome: evidence from a prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• The menopausal transition involves significant hormonal shifts, including changes in 17β-oestradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels.
• Understanding the associated metabolic changes is crucial for women's cardiovascular health during this life stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the alterations in the circulating metabolome during the menopausal transition.
• To examine the relationship between these metabolic changes and hormonal shifts (17β-oestradiol, FSH).

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of 218 Finnish women, with 35 receiving menopausal hormone therapy.
• Monitoring menopausal transition via diaries and serum hormone measurements.
• Quantification of serum metabolites using targeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics.

Main Results:

• Menopause was associated with 85 metabolite measures, including increased concentrations of apoB, VLDL triglycerides and particles, LDL cholesterol and particles, HDL triglycerides, glycerol, and leucine.
• Decreased concentrations of citrate and 3-hydroxybutyrate were observed.
• Hormonal shifts explained a portion of the changes in LDL cholesterol and particle concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Menopause is linked to proatherogenic alterations in the circulating metabolome.
• Female sex hormone levels are associated with these metabolic changes, underscoring their role in women's cardiovascular health.
• Menopausal hormone therapy influenced HDL and LDL particle concentrations and glycine levels.