Does Menopause Accelerate Lung Function Decline?
Women undergoing menopause are more likely to experience accelerated lung function decline than women who are menstruating normally, according to new research.
The changes in hormones during menopause can affect many aspects of a woman’s life, even lung function. However, no research has investigated the relationship between menopause and lung function decline.
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Serum samples and spirometry and questionnaire data about respiratory and reproductive health were collected from 1438 participants in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.
To determine menopausal status, the researchers measured follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and evaluated menstrual patterns. To measure lung capacity, the researchers assessed the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of each participant.
After adjusting for age, smoking status, and other variables, the researchers found that menopausal status was associated with accelerated lung function decline.
Compared with women not going through menopause, the FVC decreased by 10.2 ml/year in transitional women and by 12.5 ml/year in postmenopausal women. FEV1 decreased in transitional women by 3.8 ml/year and in postmenopausal women by 5.2 ml/yr.
“Lung function declined more rapidly among transitional and postmenopausal women, in particular for forced vital capacity, beyond the expected age change,” the researchers concluded. “Clinicians should be aware that respiratory health often deteriorates during reproductive aging.”
—Amanda Balbi
Reference:
Triebner K, Matulonga B, Johannessen A, et al. Menopause is associated with accelerated lung function decline [published online December 1, 2016]. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. http://www.thoracic.org/about/newsroom/press-releases/resources/triebner-and-lung-function-menopause.pdf. Accessed December 2, 2016.