Background: The influence of the menopausal transition period on chronic disease remains largely unexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate prevalence and incidence rate of physical and psychological outcomes, to establish risk factors which influence disease occurrence, and to examine sequential change of physical and psychological health according to menopausal status.
Methodology/results: Menopausal stages were defined according to the criteria of the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW +10). We recruited 4,328 women, aged 42-52 years in the pre-menopause or the early menopausal transition stage, who underwent a comprehensive health examination at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Center from August 2014 to December 2016. Among 4,328 women, 2,418 women were followed until December 2016. The higher prevalence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia was observed in the early menopausal transition. Women in the early menopausal transition had higher scores of Menopause-specific quality-of-life (MENQoL) than pre-menopause women. Over time, body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, glucose, insulin and free T4 showed significantly increased per visit. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm the findings of this study.
Conclusion: The association between menopausal stages and chronic disease has implications for public health and clinical research, as a better understanding of chronic disease and its relation to menopausal stages may help in recognizing women at risk, allowing for appropriate interventions.