Metabolic Health Differences Among Women of Age-Based Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Menopausal Stages

OBJECTIVES: To examine metabolic differences in women with or at risk of metabolic syndrome across 3 age groups used as a proxy for menopausal stages: premenopausal (PreM, 55 years). METHODS: A total of 718 female subjects across 3 groups, PreM (n = 108, 15%), PeriM (n = 218, 30.4%), and PostM (n = 392, 54.6%), were included. Demographics, intakes of fruits, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages, stress, and substance use were collected using self-reported surveys. Daily steps was assessed using accelerometers. Anthropometric (BMI, and waist circumference) and bioclinical data (blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) were measured using a standardized protocol. Analyses included Chi square, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests appropriate to normality and variable structure. RESULTS: Lifestyle behaviors and metabolic characteristics differed by group with more negative health behaviors (diet, stress, substance use) and metabolic characteristics (BMI, waist circumference, and HDL) in PreM (P < 0.05). Compared to PreM, PeriM had lower BMI and higher HDL levels (both P < 0.05). Women in PostM group had the lowest stress, physical activity, and BMI but highest systolic BP, HbA1c, and HDL compared to the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the need for targeted menopausal stage-specific interventions to improve metabolic health and promote healthier lifestyle behaviors across the menopausal transition. Premenopausal women may benefit from early lifestyle and metabolic risk management, while peri- and postmenopausal women should prioritize maintaining physical activity and glycemic control.