On the PulseHighlights on biomedical research 
Menopausal Women Prone to Inferior Cardiovascular Health
BY: Benny ChungJun 8, 2021

Menopause is supposed to bring changes in various aspects in women and indeed unavoidable that may imply a deteriorated health in general. A Finnish study found an association between menopause and circulating metabolome alternation in women transiting from perimenopause to early postmenopause. A total of 218 perimenopausal women were included and followed, of whom none was on menopausal hormone therapy at baseline. Levels of 180 metabolites (lipids, lipoproteins and amino acids) and two hormones (17β-oestradiol [E2] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) selected were assessed through blood samples at baseline and follow-ups every 3 to 6 months until early postmenopause. Results suggested a menopause-driven profile change in lipoprotein and lipid metabolism towards proatherogenic and a metabolic signature indicative of deteriorating insulin sensitivity, highlighting a broad decline in cardiovascular and metabolic health modulated by menopausal transition.