Effects of the Transition from Premenopause to Postmenopause on Lipids and Lipoproteins: Quantification and Related Parameters

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to quantitatively measure changes in lipids and lipoproteins during perimenopause and to identify variables related to these changes. METHODS: Among women who had three regular health evaluations over a span of 2-4 years, 34 women remained in the premenopausal state, 34 premenopausal women transitioned to the postmenopausal state, and 36 postmenopausal women were enrolled. The menopausal state was determined not only by a history of amenorrhea but also by levels of female sex hormones. Yearly changes in lipids were calculated using a linear regression of the three measurements. RESULTS: The transition from premenopause to postmenopause was associated with increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 7.4 +/- 8.0 mg/dL (4.2 +/- 4.9%) and 6.9 +/- 6.5 mg/dL (6.8 +/- 7.0%) over one year, resulting in an elevation of 19.6 +/- 22.6 mg/dL (10.9 +/- 13.0%) and 18.9 +/- 19.5 mg/dL (18.6 +/- 20.3%), respectively, during perimenopause. There were no changes observed in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Body weight, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides did not change in any of the three groups. In all women, changes in both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were associated with changes in follicle stimulating hormone (r = 0.40, p < 0.001 and r = 0.38, p < 0.001, respectively). Changes in triglycerides were associated with changes in body weight (r = 0.28, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: During perimenopause, total and LDL cholesterol levels increase and these changes in cholesterol are mainly dependent on changes in female sex hormones.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Functional Constipation in the Elderly

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are believed to be common in the general population, and constipation is one of the most representative GI symptoms. However, the prevalence and risk factors of functional constipation are not well known in Korea. We aimed to study the prevalence of, and risk factors for, constipation in the elderly. METHODS: We randomly selected 852 among 854 (excluded by cancer and dementia) subjects, ages 65 yr and older, in three different geriatric welfare facilities in December, 2003. The prevalence of functional constipation was based on the Rome II criteria and the survey on risk factors for constipation was performed. RESULTS: Functional constipation had a prevalence of 26.6% and there was no difference between men and women. Exercise, fluid, fruit, vegetable intake, anal diseases and age related risk factors were associated with constipation. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, constipation is a common complaint. Further studies are now required for risk factors of constipation.