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Is there a relationship between olfactory dysfunction and duration of menopause?
Fatma Atalay1, Zeynep Yavuz2, Ayhan Kars3
1Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kastamonu, Turkey.
Summary
Postmenopausal women may experience olfactory dysfunction, particularly those with longer menopausal duration. This decline in smell is linked to aging and hormonal shifts, impacting odor identification more than odor threshold.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Olfactory function can be affected by aging and hormonal changes.
- Menopause is a significant hormonal transition in women's lives.
- Understanding olfactory changes during menopause is crucial for women's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare olfactory function (odor threshold and identification) between women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women.
- To investigate the correlation between the duration of menopause and olfactory dysfunction.
- To identify specific impacts on odor threshold and odor identification tests.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 80 women divided into four groups based on menopausal status and duration.
- Groups included: reproductive age, 0-5 years postmenopause, 6-10 years postmenopause, and >10 years postmenopause.
- All participants underwent ENT examinations, odor threshold tests, and odor identification tests.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in age, odor threshold, and odor identification scores were observed across groups.
- Age-adjusted analysis revealed no significant difference in odor threshold scores.
- Women 6-10 years postmenopause showed significantly lower odor identification scores (90% less likely to have higher scores).
Conclusions:
- Olfactory dysfunction is prevalent in the postmenopausal period.
- This dysfunction is associated with both aging and hormonal changes.
- The duration of menopause, particularly 6-10 years, is linked to impaired odor identification.
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