Stress In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Evaluation of Salivary Malondialdehyde Levels to Assess Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women

Evaluation of Salivary Malondialdehyde Levels to Assess Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women

Effectiveness of community-based educational package on stress levels among postmenopausal women

Background/Aim: Postmenopausal women often face increased stress due to various physiological and psychological changes. This study aimed to analyse how effectively a community-based educational package (CBEP) reduces stress among postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 200 postmenopausal women were assigned to either a control group (n = 100) or an experimental group (n = 100). The control group received routine care, while the experimental group engaged in a CBEP aimed at stress management. Stress levels were assessed before and after the intervention using a validated assessment tool and independent t-tests were used to compare the stress levels between the two groups and to evaluate changes in stress levels. Results: The pre-test stress levels showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups (t = 1.184, p = 0.238), indicating similar stress levels at the start. However, post-test results demonstrated a significant reduction in stress for the experimental group (mean: 13.810 ± 2.339) compared to the control group (mean = 20.160 ± 3.281) (t = 15.762, p = 0.0001). Additionally, the gain in stress levels was significantly lower in the experimental group (0.150 ± 1.149) compared to the control group (6.000 ± 3.247) (t = 16.982, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The results indicate that the CBEP effectively reduced stress levels among postmenopausal women, proving its efficacy as a non-pharmacological intervention. These findings advocate for the adoption of educational programs for managing stress in postmenopausal women and emphasise the need for further research to enhance these interventions for long-term efficacy.

Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women with or without Obesity.

Oxidative stress, a key mediator of cardiovascular disease, metabolic alterations, and cancer, is independently associated with menopause and obesity. Yet, among postmenopausal women, the correlation between obesity and oxidative stress is poorly examined. Thus, in this study, we compared oxidative stress states in postmenopausal women with or without obesity. Body composition was assessed via DXA, while lipid peroxidation and total hydroperoxides were measured in patient's serum samples via thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and derivate-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) assays, respectively. Accordingly, 31 postmenopausal women were enrolled: 12 with obesity and 19 of normal weight (mean (SD) age 71.0 (5.7) years). Doubled levels of serum markers of oxidative stress were observed in women with obesity in women with obesity compared to those of normal weight (H2O2: 32.35 (7.3) vs. 18.80 (3.4) mg H2O2/dL; malondialdehyde (MDA): 429.6 (138.1) vs. 155.9 (82.4) mM in women with or without obesity, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both). Correlation analysis showed that both markers of oxidative stress increased with an increasing body mass index (BMI), visceral fat mass, and trunk fat percentage, but not with fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, obesity and visceral fat are associated with a greater increase in oxidative stress in postmenopausal women, possibly increasing cardiometabolic and cancer risks.

Age Related Changes in Indices of Bone Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women in Southern Nigeria

Age Related Changes in Indices of Bone Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women in Southern Nigeria

Blueberries Improve Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women With Above-Normal Blood Pressure via Reductions in Oxidative Stress

ObjectivesResearch suggests blueberries and their (poly)phenols may improve endothelial dysfunction, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of consuming 22 g/day for 12 weeks of freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder on endothelial function and other measures of cardiovascular health, oxidative stress, and circulating (poly)phenol metabolites in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood pressure.MethodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years with elevated blood pressure or stage 1-HTN. Endothelial function was assessed as brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and normalized to individual shear rate area under the curve (FMD/SRAUC) to control for inter-individual variability in reactive hyperemia-induced shear stress. To assess whether improvements in FMD were mediated by reduced oxidative stress, FMD was assessed before and after intravenous infusion of a supra-physiologic dose of ascorbic acid. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were also assessed.ResultsA total of 43 women completed the trial (n = 32 for endothelial function). Compliance in the Blueberry and Placebo groups were 93% and 91%, respectively. Mean total plasma (poly)phenol metabolite concentrations were increased at 4 (250,053 nmol/L, P < 0.05) and 8 (303,053 nmol/L, P < 0.05) weeks in the Blueberry group compared to baseline (125,798 nmol/L) with a strong trend at 12 weeks (227,971 nmol/L, P < 0.05), and no changes in Placebo. Blood pressure and arterial stiffness were unchanged with both treatments. At 12 weeks, FMD/SRAUC was increased by 96% from baseline (P < 0.05) in the Blueberry group but unchanged in Placebo, and changes in FMD/SRAUC from baseline to 12 weeks were higher (P < 0.05) than Placebo. The response in FMD/SRAUC to ascorbic acid infusion was lower (P < 0.05) at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the Blueberry group but not Placebo.ConclusionsThese findings suggest blueberries improve endothelial function, and is mediated, in part, by reduced oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood pressure, a high-risk population for developing CVD.Funding SourcesUS Highbush Blueberry Council and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Markers of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

During the postmenopausal period, there are metabolic alterations that predispose individuals to metabolic syndrome (MS), oxidative stress (OS), and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to compare the concentrations of OS markers in postmenopausal women with and without MS. Malondialdehyde, carbonyl groups, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified. We conducted a cross-sectional study: Group 1 (n = 42) included women without MS, and Group 2 (n = 58) comprised women with MS. Participants’ age was similar between groups. Glucose, insulin, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, uric acid, and body mass index were significantly lower in postmenopausal women without MS. OS markers were significantly lower in Group 1 vs. Group 2: malondialdehyde, 31.32 ± 14.93 vs. 40.27 ± 17.62 pmol MDA/mg dry weight (p = .01); protein carbonylation, 6325 ± 1551 vs. 7163 ± 1029 pmol PC/mg protein (p = .0003); and TAC, 1497 ± 297.3 vs. 1619 ± 278.8 pmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein (p = .041). OS markers were significantly higher in postmenopausal women with MS. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous disease processes; however, information on the relationship between oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome among postmenopausal women remains limited. What do the results of this study add? Our results indicate that in postmenopausal Mexican women, oxidative stress markers were significantly lower in those without metabolic syndrome, whereas total antioxidant capacity was higher in those with metabolic syndrome, which could be explained as an antioxidant defense mechanism capable of neutralising excess oxidative damage markers. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study is of interest to a broad audience because it compares the concentrations of oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. Our study could support intervention with supplements or foods rich in antioxidants as lifestyle modifications in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.

A Systematic Review of the Cardiometabolic Benefits of Plant Products Containing Mixed Phenolics and Polyphenols in Postmenopausal Women: Insufficient Evidence for Recommendations to This Specific Population.

Menopause is characterized by endocrine and physiological changes and is often accompanied by increased body weight and cholesterol, glucose intolerance, and/or hypertension. These alterations are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that may be moderate by dietary plant phenolic compounds. In this review, we examine the current evidence of the impact of a variety of plant products (foods, extracts, beverages) rich in a mixture of phenolics and polyphenols on: (i) glucose and insulin levels; (ii) lipid profile; (iii) blood pressure; and (iv) biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women. We critically evaluate both the results of a range of intervention studies conducted in this specific subpopulation and the level of evidence supporting the benefits of consuming those products after the menopause. Overall, the current available evidence does not allow for specific dietary recommendations of these plant products rich in phenolics and polyphenols in this high-risk subpopulation. Our data show rather variable and small effects of the different products examined on the cardiometabolic biomarkers and further support the need to: (1) improve the quality of the study designs and data reporting; and (2) understand the variability in the response of the different biomarkers and establish clear differences between healthy and cardiometabolic disease levels.

Differential effects of estradiol on neural and emotional stress response in postmenopausal women with remitted Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundEstrogen fluctuations throughout the lifespan may contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD) risk in women through effects on brain networks important in stress responding, and mood regulation. Although there is evidence to support ovarian hormone treatment for peri-menopausal depression, postmenopausal use has not been well examined. The objective of this study was to investigate whether estrogen modulation of the neural and emotional cognitive responses to stress differs between postmenopausal women with and without MDD history. Methods60 postmenopausal women completed an fMRI psychosocial stress task, after receiving no drug or 3 months of daily estradiol (E2). fMRI activity and subjective mood response were examined. ResultsIn women without a history of MDD, E2 was associated with a more negative mood response to stress and less activity in emotional regulation regions. In women with a history of MDD, E2 was associated with a less negative mood response to stress and less activity in emotion perception regions. LimitationsThis study was limited by open-label estradiol administration and inclusion of participants using antidepressants. ConclusionsThese results support a differential effect of estrogen on emotional and neural responses to psychosocial stress in postmenopausal women with MDD history and may reflect a shift in brain activity patterns related to emotion processing following menopause.

Vascular Response Mediated by Nitric Oxide/cGMP Pathway to Mental Stress in Postmenopausal Women with Treatment‐Resistant Hypertension

Vascular Response Mediated by Nitric Oxide/cGMP Pathway to Mental Stress in Postmenopausal Women with Treatment‐Resistant Hypertension

Differential effects of estradiol on neural and emotional stress response in postmenopausal women with remitted Major Depressive Disorder

<h3>Introduction</h3> Ovarian hormones can influence neural systems involved in mood regulation, suggesting a pathway explaining why women have a greater incidence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) than men primarily beginning at puberty. Estrogen fluctuations may contribute to MDD risk through effects on brain networks important in emotion processing, stress responding, and mood regulation. Although there is evidence to support the use of ovarian hormone treatment for peri-menopausal depression, postmenopausal use has not been as well examined. As the neural systems involved in emotional processing and stress response are altered in MDD, it is possible that the effect of estrogen treatment on these systems may differ between postmenopausal women with and without a history of MDD. The objective of this study was to investigate whether estrogen modulation of the neural and emotional cognitive responses to stress differs between postmenopausal women with and without MDD vulnerability. <h3>Methods</h3> 60 postmenopausal women completed this fMRI study including a psychosocial stress task, the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST), after receiving no drug or 3 months of daily 2mg 17β estradiol (E2). Participants included women with no personal history of MDD by SCID interview and women with remitted MDD with at least one episode in the last ten years and no depressive episodes within the last year. There were 4 participant groups: 1) MDD+/E2+ (n=10), 2) MDD+/E2- (n=12), 3) MDD-/E2= (n=20), 4) MDD-/E2- (n=18). All groups were euthymic at the time of study with non-clinical scores on the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Subjective mood response to the MIST was assessed as change score on the Stress-Arousal Checklist (SACL stress) before and after the MIST. fMRI analyses examined activity differences between the "stress and "control" conditions of the MIST using SPM 12. Second level analyses included 2 × 2 interactions (MDD history X E2 administration), whole-brain (gray matter masked), and cluster threshold corrected for multiple comparisons (p<0.005, K >102, FDR<0.05) for differences in activity during the MIST between the 4 groups and the relationship between activity during the MIST and SACL stress score in each group. <h3>Results</h3> E2 administration was associated with different effects in post-menopausal women with or without a history of MDD. In accordance with our previous work, the MDD-/E2+ group had a more negative mood response (higher SACL stress score) to the stress task than the MDD-/E2- group. In contrast, this effect was reversed in women with a history of MDD, where the MDD+/E2+ group had a less negative mood response than the MDD+/E2- group. Additionally, both groups who exhibited more negative mood responses also showed greater activity in emotional perception areas (left inferior frontal and left angular gyri) during the stress condition of the task than the groups which showed less negative mood responses. Group differences were also observed on fMRI. Women who did not receive E2 showed a positive correlation between greater right inferior frontal activity and higher SACL stress score, while the MDD+/E2- group additionally showed a positive correlation between right insula activity and SACL score. The MDD+/E2+ group showed negative correlations between activity in each area and SACL stress score in both the "stress" and "control" conditions of the MIST, while the MDD-/E2+ did not show significant correlations between activity in any area and SACL stress Score. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These results support a differential effect of estrogen administration on emotional and neural responses to psychosocial stress in postmenopausal women with and without a history of MDD. We had previously show that in women without a history of MDD, E2 is associated with a more negative mood response to stress than placebo. The results of this study replicated those findings in women without a history of MDD and show that E2 is also associated with increased activity in brain areas involved in emotion perception and response. Additionally, the result of this study support that the effect of E2 is reversed in women with a history of MDD, such that E2 is associated with a less negative mood response to stress and a differential relationship between activity in brain areas involved in emotion response. This suggests that women with a history of MDD, even while currently euthymic, have both a different mood and neural response to psychosocial stress and may show a beneficial mood effect E2 that is not seen in women without a history of MDD. These results may provide a neurological basis for recurrence risk and the beneficial mood effects of post-menopausal hormone treatment in women with a history of MDD. <h3>Funding</h3> This work was supported by the National Institutes of Aging R01AG021476, the National Institutes of Mental Health H110598, and Vanderbilt CTSA grant UL1 TR002243 from National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Assessment of Psychological Status and Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectivesDuring menopause, women may experience some physical changes that can affect their psychological status. Oxidative stress also increases with menopause, as decreasing levels of estrogen reinforce the deterioration of antioxidant status. To assess total antioxidative capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and the correlation between psychological status and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was undertaken on 100 postmenopausal women (40–59 years). Blood malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidative capacity were analyzed, and psychological status was assessed using Rosenberg's self-esteem test, Zung's self-rating anxiety scale, and Zung's self-rating depression scale.ResultsOf the women, 38.0% had mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety (mean ± standard deviation, 50.15 ± 4.89), 21.0% showed depression, and 19.0% had low self-esteem. Twelve percent of the study population had mild to moderate symptoms of all three disorders. A statistically significant difference was found in the scores of anxiety and self-esteem (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001 in women with and without psychological disturbances, respectively). With regard to oxidative stress parameters, only superoxide dismutase levels showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001), with lower levels found in women with psychological disturbance.ConclusionsWomen with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are in an oxidative challenge, which might be associated with estrogen depletion. A lower superoxide dismutase level is associated with higher depression and anxiety scores in postmenopausal women.

Oligopin® Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundEvidence indicates a close association between oxidative stress and the etiopathogenesis of osteopenia. In vitro and animal studies report that Oligopin®, an extract of French maritime pine bark extract, has beneficial effects on oxidative stress. PurposeHere, we aimed to determine whether supplementation with Oligopin® affects bone turnover markers, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress markers in these patients. MethodsForty-three postmenopausal women with osteopenia were randomized in a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to receive either 150 mg/day Oligopin® (n = 22) or placebo (n = 21) for 12 weeks. Plasma levels of bone turnover markers; osteocalcin (OC), type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX-1), OC/CTX1 ratio along with total antioxidant capacity(TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, protein carbonyl, and total thiol contents in plasma, activities of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma as well as mRNA expression of MnSOD, catalase, and Nrf2 in PBMCs were measured at the baseline and the end of the intervention. ResultsOligopin® supplementation significantly increased OC levels and the ratio of OC to CTX1 in women with osteopenia compared to placebo intervention after 12 weeks. Oligopin® significantly decreased plasma protein carbonyl content in postmenopausal women compared with the after placebo treatment. Moreover, Oligopin® intervention significantly increased plasma total thiol content, TAC, plasma activity of both MnSOD and catalase, and the transcript level of Nrf2, MnSOD, and catalase in comparison with the placebo group. ConclusionSupplementation with 150 mg/day Oligopin® for 12 weeks exerts beneficial effects in postmenopausal osteopenia through improving the antioxidant defense system in the plasma and PBMCs that was accompanied by an increase in indicators of bone turnover.

Does resistance training have an effect on levels of ferritin and atherogenic lipids in postmenopausal women? \u2013 A pilot trial

The objective of this study was to determine if 15 weeks of resistance training (RT) can alter the levels of blood lipids, body iron status, and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. Postmenopausal women enrolled in a randomised controlled trial were allocated to either a sedentary control group (n = 29) or a RT group (n = 26). Blood samples were taken at week-0 and week-15 for all participants. Blood lipids and iron status were measured via routine clinical analyses. Immunoassays were used to measure oxidative stress markers. The RT group, with good compliance, was associated with significant reductions in ferritin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, ferritin was positively correlated with atherogenic lipids while negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein in RT women. This occurred without alterations in serum iron, transferrin, transferrin-saturation, C-reactive protein and oxidative stress markers. No differences were found in control women. This study suggests that RT in postmenopausal women both reduces levels of ferritin and counteracts atherogenic lipid profiles independent of an apparent oxidative mechanism. RT may be a beneficial intervention in postmenopausal women via an interaction between ferritin and lipids; however, further investigation in a larger cohort is essential.

Anesthesia management for emergency cesarean section in a patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a clinical entity resembling acute myocardial infarction that develops due to catecholamine discharge and coronary artery spasm following acute stress in postmenopausal women. The most common symptoms are chest pain, syncope and dyspnea. Moreover ST interval and T wave abnormalities are frequently seen on electrocardiogram (ECG). 19-year-old pregnant with TCM undervent for emergency caesarean section (C/S). Ejection fraction was measured 60% in preoperative echocardiography. Anesthesia induction was achieved with 2 mg/kg propofol and 1 mg/kg fentanyl, after rapid serial endotracheal intubation was performed by using 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium bromide. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. Residual block was reversed by 4 mg/kg dose of sugammadex and there was no there was complication in the perioperative period. In anesthesia management of patients with TCM, minimization of situations that caused an increase in catecholamine, if possible follow-up with advanced cardiac monitoring and it should be postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) preparation

The effects of isoflavone supplementation plus combined exercise on salivary markers of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.

This study tested the effect of isoflavone supplementation in addition to combined exercise training in salivary oxidative stress markers in non-obese postmenopausal women. Thirty-two postmenopausal women without hormone therapy were randomly assigned to exercise + placebo (n = 15) or exercise + isoflavone supplementation (n = 17) groups. They performed 30 sessions of combined exercises (aerobic plus resistance) over ten weeks and consumed 100 mg of isoflavone supplementation or placebo. Saliva samples were collected after an overnight fast. Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, catalase, total protein and nitrite were determined before and after ten weeks of the intervention. The ANOVA two-way analysis of variance was applied with α of 5%. Both groups increase (p<0.05) superoxide dismutase activity and decrease catalase levels. There was interaction (time × group) in both nitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances results, with increase (p<0.05) in placebo group and decrease (p<0.05) in isoflavone group. No difference was found for total antioxidant capacity or total protein. The combination of isoflavone supplementation and exercise training can promote an antioxidant effect through reduction of lipid peroxidation and concentrations of salivary nitrite.

P3457Oxidative stress and left ventricular remodeling in postmenopausal women

Abstract Purpose To asses the level of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women in dependence of LV structural and functional changes and its filling parameters. Methods 203 postmenopausal women were included in the investigation: 142 women with surgical menopause (average age 44,3±5,4 years, menopause duration 3,8±2,4 years); and 61 women with natural menopause (average age 46,2±4,7 years, menopause duration 4,3±2,1 years). All patients underwent general clinical examination, menopausal index evaluation, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (Cardiotens-01, Meditech, Hungary), echocardiographic examination with systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function assessment. We also measured erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), ultimate products of lipid peroxidation (Shiff bases), catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity. Control group consisted of 35 healthy menstruating women (mean age 39,2±4,2). Statistical methods such as Cruskell-Walles criteria and χ2 test were used. Results Only 39 postmenopausal women (19,2%) had normal LV geometry; 89 pts (43,8%) demonstrated LV concentric hypertrophy, 57 pts (28,1%) – concentric remodeling and 18 women (8,9%) –eccentric hypertrophy. All postmenopausal women showed signs of activation of oxidative stress while reducing the power of antioxidant protection systems, however, these changes were most pronounced in groups of patients with eccentric and especially concentric LV hypertrophy Nobody of included postmenopausal women had LV systolic function failure. Presence of LV diastolic function disturbance was the same in the patients with surgical and natural menopause (54,1% (33 pts) and 59,1% (84 pts), respectively, p=0,231) and did not depend on BP level: 59,1% (52 pts) in hypertensive and 56,5% (65 pts) in normotensive women, p=0,118. We detected that Shiff bases level in postmenopausal women with diastolic dysfunction was increased in 1,5 times in comparison with healthy menstruating women and in 1,3 times in comparison with those postmenopausal women who had no diastolic function disturbance (p&lt;0,01). The level of erythrocyte TBARs in this group was increased in 1,3 and 1,2 times respectively (p&lt;0,05). Erythrocyte catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity were decreased in all postmenopausal women in comparison with healthy ones (p&lt;0,01). The presence of LV diastolic dysfunction correlated positively with erythrocyte Shiff bases level (τ=0,47, p&lt;0,01) and negatively – with erythrocyte catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity (τ=−0,35 and τ=−0,35, p&lt;0,01 respectively) Conclusions Thus, oxidative stress may play important role in left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction formation in postmenopausal women.

Estradiol administration differentially affects the response to experimental psychosocial stress in post-menopausal women with or without a history of major depression

Background: The effects of estradiol on the brain regions involved in the response to stress and emotional processes may be particularly important in women who have alterations in these systems that make them vulnerable to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This study examined whether the effect of estradiol administration on the subjective distress and mood response to a laboratory-based psychosocial stress task differs in women with and without a history of MDD. Methods: Participants were 65 euthymic postmenopausal women, with and without a history of MDD. They received either 3 months of open-label oral estradiol or did not receive estradiol. After 3 months, participants completed the Montreal Stress Imaging Task (MIST) and subjective distress and mood ratings. Results: The effect of estradiol on subjective distress following the MIST differed based on MDD history. In women without a history of MDD, estradiol administration was associated with greater subjective distress than no estradiol. However, in women with a history of MDD, estradiol administration was associated with less subjective distress compared to no estradiol. Limitations: This study included open-label administration of estradiol and participants were not blinded to administration. Interpretation of result should include consideration of the relatively small group sizes and that results may not generalize to currently depressed individuals. Conclusions: In euthymic women with a history of MDD, estradiol may benefit the affective response to psychosocial stress while having comparatively little benefit in women with no MDD history. Further work should explore whether estradiol administration reduces the risk of depression recurrence in post-menopausal women with past MDD.

The effect of prescribed exercise volume on biomarkers of chronic stress in postmenopausal women: Results from the Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta (BETA).

There is epidemiologic and biologic evidence for a role of stress in breast cancer etiology and physical activity mitigates the negative effects of stress. We examined the potential for a dose-response relationship between two volumes of aerobic exercise and biomarkers of chronic stress in post-menopausal women. The Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta is a randomized controlled trial with post-menopausal women randomized to either a MODERATE (150 min per week) or HIGH (300 min per week) volume of exercise over a one year intervention period. Fasting serum concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol at baseline, 12 months (the end of the intervention), and 24 months. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using general linear models, adjusted for baseline biomarker concentrations. There were modest but non-statistically significant decreases in cortisol (HIGH: −4%, 95% CI: −7%, 2%; MODERATE: −1%, 95%: CI: −14%, 4%) and corticosterone (HIGH: −4%, 95% CI: −12%, 6%; MODERATE: −5%, 95% CI: −14%, 4%) concentrations for both exercise groups between baseline and 12 months, and no difference in cortisone concentrations. Intention-to-treat analysis of 386 (97%) participants showed no statistically significant group differences for changes in biomarker levels at 12 months. Between baseline and 12 months, there were no differences in cortisol or cortisone and, at 24 months all stress hormone levels increased to near-baseline levels with no significant differences between the two intervention groups.

Impact of Estrogen + Estradiol Receptor Alpha Modulator Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Post-menopausal Women With and Without Sleep Apnea

Impact of Estrogen + Estradiol Receptor Alpha Modulator Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Post-menopausal Women With and Without Sleep Apnea

Effect of programmed exercise on depressive/anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, and perceived stress in postmenopausal women: evidence from meta-analyses

Effect of programmed exercise on depressive/anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, and perceived stress in postmenopausal women: evidence from meta-analyses