[Effect of menopause on carbohydrate metabolism]

Endocrine alterations in menopause produce disadvantageous changes in the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The character and tendency of these alterations are very similar to those found in type II diabetes mellitus. The abdominal visceral fat content as well as the blood level of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and insulin increase in postmenopause. These changes can be advantageously influenced by hormone replacement therapy.