Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Lipid Blood Profile in Women Transitioning to Menopause

Introduction

Recent research indicates that engaging in leisure-time physical activity is linked to an improved lipid blood profile among women who are navigating the transition into menopause. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death in developed nations, with a significant uptick in diagnoses observed in women post-menopause.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Epidemiological studies reveal that women are generally not diagnosed with CVD before age 45. However, the onset of menopause often coincides with an increase in CVD diagnoses. Notably, menopausal changes are usually associated with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol.

Study Overview

The recent study was conducted as part of the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) project, involving 886 Finnish women aged between 47 and 55. Participants were categorized into pre-menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post-menopausal groups. Findings indicated that post-menopausal women exhibited higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C compared to their pre-menopausal counterparts. Interestingly, levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C) were also elevated in post-menopausal women, a result that contrasts with some prior studies.

Impact of Physical Activity on Lipid Profiles

Researchers utilized self-reported questionnaires and objective measurements from accelerometers to assess fitness levels. The study found a positive correlation between physical activity and serum lipid profiles, revealing that physically active women had higher HDL-C levels and lower total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. HDL cholesterol is often regarded as indicative of a healthier lipid profile, highlighting the beneficial effects of physical activity on serum lipid levels.

Limitations in Post-Menopausal Women

Despite the positive findings regarding physical activity’s impact on pre-menopausal women, the study noted that the fitness levels necessary for an improved metabolic profile were insufficient to counteract the metabolic changes in post-menopausal women. As stated by the researchers, “leisure-time physical activity may attenuate the unfavorable atherogenic changes in the serum cardiovascular risk factors of healthy middle-aged women.”

References

– Karvinen, S., Laakkonen, E.K., et al. “Menopausal Status and Physical Activity Are Independently Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Healthy Middle-Aged Women: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Evidence.” Front. Endocrinol., 30 August 2019.
– “Physical Activity May Attenuate Menopause-Associated Atherogenic Changes,” September 13, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-09/uoj–pam091319.php

Image Credit

Image by silviarita from Pixabay.