Menopause-Associated Lipid Metabolic Disorders and Foods Beneficial for Postmenopausal Women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This comprehensive review examined the relationship between menopause-associated changes in lipid metabolism and the increased risk of metabolic disorders in postmenopausal women. It addressed the physiological changes underlying menopause and their impact on fat distribution, lipid profiles, and the development of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The authors also critically reviewed dietary recommendations and beneficial compounds, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and probiotics, that may help manage or mitigate abnormal lipid metabolism in this population.
Who was reviewed?
The review focused on postmenopausal women, typically aged 45–55 years and older, representing a significant and growing portion of the global female population. The authors synthesized data from a wide range of studies, including large cohort and longitudinal studies such as the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), as well as clinical trials, animal models (notably ovariectomized mice), and cross-sectional analyses. The population included healthy women, as well as those with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and related comorbidities.
Most important findings
The review highlights important associations between estrogen deficiency and changes in adipokines, such as increased leptin and resistin and decreased adiponectin and ghrelin, which collectively exacerbate insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Notably, the review discusses the role of gut microbiota and probiotics, referencing emerging evidence that multistrain probiotics improve endothelial function and insulin resistance in obese postmenopausal women. Dietary interventions were shown to be effective: higher protein intake helps preserve lean mass and prevent sarcopenia, traditional diets rich in fish, seaweeds, vegetables, and fruits lower triglycerides and improve HDL-C, and supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids is associated with lower adiposity, improved lipid profiles, and reduced inflammation. Antioxidants and phytochemicals from plant foods, as well as probiotics, provide additional cardiometabolic protection.
Key implications
Understanding the interplay between menopause, lipid metabolism, and metabolic disorders is essential for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. The review underscores the importance of dietary patterns and nutrients, particularly vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and probiotics, in improving lipid profiles, reducing inflammation, and supporting metabolic health in postmenopausal women. From a microbiome perspective, the documented benefits of probiotics and dietary modulation of gut flora suggest a promising avenue for personalized interventions to mitigate menopause-associated metabolic risk.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.