Reproductive factors and metabolic syndrome among Chinese women aged 40 years and older

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between reproductive variables and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among Chinese women aged 40 years and older.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4453 women aged 40 years and older in Guangxi, China. The associations between women's reproductive factors and MetS were analyzed using a logistic regression model.

The prevalence of MetS was 23.9% in this population. Women with MetS were mostly older, more likely to be postmenopausal, and had higher parity. Compared to women with one prior live birth, those with three or more live births had the highest odds of having MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.23-1.99). Similarly, compared to premenopausal women, postmenopausal participants had higher odds of having MetS (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.49-2.31). No associations were observed between MetS and abortion or with age at menarche.

Our study suggests that multiparity and menopausal status may be associated with the development of MetS. The inconsistency seen in epidemiological research to date calls for further investigation.