Effect of Menopause on Pulmonary Functions: An Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Sex hormones play an important role in women’s health. There is a close relationship between female sex hormones and lung function in postmenopausal women. Deterioration of lung function is observed more after menopause. Estrogen deficiency after menopause accelerates adverse effects of biological aging on lung mechanics in postmenopausal women. Our study uses spirometer to analyze and evaluate these effects of menopausal aging. Objective To study the effects of menopause on pulmonary function tests in women of perimenopausal age group. Materials and methods This study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur, India. A total of 50 women each in premenopausal and menopausal age group were included in our study. Venous blood was collected under aseptic precaution on 10 to 14 days and 18 to 23 days corresponding to follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle in premenopausal women and in postmenopausal women, and serum estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Pulmonary function of all subjects was measured with digital micro spirometer and data collected. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced vital capacity were studied and correlated with symptoms. Data analysis was done using Student’s unpaired t-test and chi-square test. Results The mean percentage of predicted values of FEF25-75 and PEFR were lower in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women. Mean serum estrogen levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal women as compared with premenopausal women. Progesterone levels were lower in postmenopausal women and in proliferative phase of premenopausal women as compared with luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Conclusion As menopause sets in decreased hormonal levels leads to decreased lung capacity as evident by pulmonary function test. Decreased pulmonary function test can be attributed to lower levels of sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in postmenopausal women. How to cite this article Karia AK, Kedar KV, Munje RP. Effect of Menopause on Pulmonary Functions: An Analysis. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):16-18.