The LIFE study: a cross-sectional study protocol for LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of...

The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviours play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to characterise how hormonal and lifestyle (physical activity, diet and sleep) differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health.

Women aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited and classified into pre, peri or postmenopausal groups. Body composition measures and blood samples were collected. Sleep and physical activity were objectively measured using activPAL4 and ActiGraph GT9X link accelerometer over 7 days. Participants were also provided with a sleep diary. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Participants completed a series of questionnaires: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, RuSATED, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Australian Eating Survey.

Ethical approval was received from the relevant University Human Research Ethics Committee (ethics approval number #S221718) prior to the commencement of the research project. Data collection is ongoing and expected to be completed by April 2026. Results are expected to be available from July 2026. Findings will be disseminated in national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals and expected to inform how differences in lifestyle behaviours across menopause influence chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity and cognitive function. Understanding and characterising the links between lifestyle behaviours and menopausal symptoms will inform targeted strategies to improve long-term well-being, heart, brain and metabolic health.