Metabolic and endocrine factors involved in handgrip strength and dynapenia in postmenopausal women

This narrative review examines current evidence concerning the evolution of handgrip strength and dynapenia in postmenopausal women, and the implications of menopause, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and endocrine factors. A literature search was performed using PubMed and ResearchGate to identify clinical studies of handgrip strength or dynapenia in postmenopausal women. Main analyses of relevant data from middle-aged and older women were selected, giving preference to results from available meta-analyses. From the fifth decade of life, there is a progressive reduction in skeletal muscle function. The longitudinal muscle ageing process is more abrupt among postmenopausal women than in men. Low handgrip strength is associated with menopausal changes related to subclinical inflammation, body fat accumulation and distribution, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and lipid accumulation product. Menopause hormone therapy did not improve muscle strength, and new therapeutic options are needed to maintain muscle function as long as possible.