Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Health
Author Information
Author(s): Crandall Carolyn J, Tseng Chi-Hong, Crawford Sybil L, Thurston Rebecca C, Gold Ellen B, Johnston Janet M, Greendale Gail A
Primary Institution: University of California Los Angeles
Hypothesis
The presence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) would be related to higher levels of urinary N-telopeptide among midlife women even prior to the postmenopausal stage.
Conclusion
Among early perimenopausal and late perimenopausal women, those with VMS had higher bone turnover than those without VMS.
Supporting Evidence
- Mean adjusted NTX was higher among early and late perimenopausal women with VMS compared to those without.
- VMS frequency was not significantly associated with NTX level among premenopausal women.
- Adjustment for serum FSH level reduced the associations between VMS and NTX level.
Takeaway
Women going through menopause who have hot flashes or night sweats may have higher levels of a substance that indicates bone turnover, which could mean their bones are weakening.
Methodology
Data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) was analyzed, involving urine samples and questionnaires from participants over several years.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of VMS frequency and reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study's method of assessing VMS may have underestimated true VMS frequency, and annual assessments of dietary intake may not have been reliable.
Participant Demographics
Participants were women aged 42 to 52 years, with a diverse racial/ethnic background including white, African-American, Japanese, and Hispanic women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < .0001 for early perimenopausal women with VMS, p = .03 for late perimenopausal women with VMS.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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