Menopause modulates the circulating metabolome: Evidence from a prospective cohort study 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 studied?
The study focused on the metabolic changes associated with menopause, specifically the hormonal shifts that occur as women transition from perimenopause to early postmenopause. It explored the changes in the circulating metabolome, including alterations in lipoproteins, amino acids, and other metabolites, and examined the relationship between these changes and hormone levels, particularly estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The research was conducted using longitudinal data collected from a cohort of Finnish women and utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics to quantify a wide array of metabolites, providing insights into how menopause affects the broader metabolic profile and influences cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Who was studied?
The study involved 218 Finnish women, aged 47 to 55, who were followed longitudinally from perimenopause through early postmenopause. These women were part of the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) cohort. Participants were assessed for menopausal status, hormonal changes, and their metabolic profiles over an average follow-up period of 14 months. A subset of the women (15%) began menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) during the follow-up. The cohort was selected to minimize the influence of aging and included only women without conditions affecting hormone profiles or metabolic health.
Most important findings
Postmenopausal women showed an increase in apoB-containing lipoprotein particles, and lipid levels such as triglycerides and cholesterol in these particles. This shift towards a proatherogenic lipid profile could increase cardiovascular disease risk. The study found increased levels of leucine, tyrosine, and other branched-chain amino acids, which are linked to insulin resistance and higher cardiovascular risk. A shift in fatty acid profile from polyunsaturated to saturated fats was observed, which may indicate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Glycerol levels increased, while ketone bodies like 3-hydroxybutyrate decreased, suggesting deteriorating insulin sensitivity. Decreased citrate levels were noted, which may be linked to reduced bone health in postmenopausal women.
Key implications
The findings highlight menopause as a critical period for cardiovascular and metabolic health, marked by significant alterations in the circulating metabolome. The observed shifts in lipoproteins, fatty acids, and amino acids suggest a proatherogenic and insulin-resistant state, which could predispose postmenopausal women to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to monitor these metabolic markers in menopausal women and consider interventions, including lifestyle modifications or menopausal hormone therapy, to mitigate these risks. Further research on the specific molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic shifts and their long-term effects on women’s health is also essential.
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.