Association between serum estradiol level and appendicular lean mass index in middle-aged postmenopausal women

Previous studies investigating the association between loss of estrogen at menopause and skeletal muscle mass came to contradictory conclusions.

To evaluate the association between serum estradiol level and appendicular lean mass index in middle-aged postmenopausal women using population-based data.

This study included 673 postmenopausal women, aged 40-59 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2016. Weighted multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between serum E2 Level and appendicular lean mass index (ALMI). When non-linear associations were found by using weighted generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting, two-piecewise linear regression models were further applied to examine the threshold effects.

There was a positive association between serum E2 level and ALMI. Compared to individuals in quartile 1 group, those in other quartiles had higher ALMI levels. An inverted U-shaped curve relationship between serum E2 Level and ALMI was found on performing weighted generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting, and the inflection point was identified as a serum E2 level of 85 pg/mL.

Our results demonstrated an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between serum E2 levels and ALMI in middle-aged postmenopausal women, suggesting that low serum E2 levels play an important in the loss of muscle mass in middle-aged postmenopausal women.