A STUDY OF BODY MASS INDEX (BMI), SEX HORMONES, AND LIPID PROFILE AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE

Menopause is a natural physiological process characterised by permanent cessation of menstrual cycle. It is a critical period in the life of women which denotes the end of reproduction and is marked by significant decline in sex hormones levels such as estrogen and progesterone. The decline in sex hormones can significantly impact body composition, metabolism. The interplay between BMI, sex hormones, and serum lipids creates a complex health landscape for menopausal women compounding the metabolic challenges posed by menopause. This study therefore sought to determine the correlation between BMI, sex hormones and serum lipids in menopausal women. The study adopted a cross-sectional study design to assess the relationship between BMI, sex hormones, serum lipids and risk of cardiovascular disease among menopausal women. Multistage random sampling method was used which allowed the researcher quantitatively asses 300 (150 menopausal women and 150 control subjects) participants through the aid of a structured questionnaire and laboratory investigations. Findings revealed that there was significant correlation between BMI and serum lipids among menopausal women compared to control (p>0.05). There is urgent need to establish post-menopausal clinics/programmes in primary, secondary and tertiary centres that will promote serum hormone testing and replacement therapy as a strategy to promote healthy life for menopuasal womeen.