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ABSTRACT
Background
There is a paucity of data regarding knowledge of metabolic syndrome in menopause in South Africa. The study focused on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in menopause and the lipid changes highlighted during this transition.
OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in DGMAH gynaecology outpatient department.
2. To analyse the lipid profile changes during the menopause transition.
OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in DGMAH gynaecology outpatient department.
2. To analyse the lipid profile changes during the menopause transition.
Method
A prospective cohort study was conducted at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, the gynaecological outpatient department, Pretoria, South Africa. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were included. Six hundred ninety menopausal women were enrolled in this study. The participants were evaluated by physical examination. Blood samples were also taken for biochemical assay. The researcher also took their blood pressure. Data compiled from the study were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Descriptive statistical analysis established the quantitative variables' range, mean, and standard deviation. Categorical variables were analysed using Fisher's exact test.
Result
The study consisted of 690 women (n = 690), including 338 perimenopausal women (n = 338; 49.0%) and 352 postmenopausal women (n = 352; 51.0%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was noted to be 47% and 61.4% in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups, respectively. Waist circumference was noted to be the most frequent diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome in both groups. Perimenopausal women had significantly higher odds of experiencing hot flushes (OR 2.19, p < 0.0001) compared to postmenopausal women; these differences were statistically significant. Although higher odds were observed for heart palpitations (OR 1.55, p=0.3826), sleep disorders (OR 1.67, p=0.0886), and headaches (OR 1.17, p=0.2644) among perimenopausal women, these differences were not statistically significant. The odds of irritability (OR 1.06, p= 0.4852) and joint pain (OR 1.06, p = 0.7363) were similar between groups; these differences were also not statistically significant. Perimenopausal women had lower odds for elevated triglycerides (OR 0.65), low HDL levels (OR 0.83), and high LDL levels (OR 0.50), as well as higher anti-Mullerian hormone levels (OR 3.72), although statistical significance for these laboratory comparisons was not reported. There was no statistically significant difference in fasting glucose between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, with a p-value of 0.5926.
Conclusion
The study reflects the current high burden of metabolic syndrome amongst perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in South Africa. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was noted to be higher in postmenopausal women as compared to perimenopausal women. There was a correlation between metabolic syndrome and age, socioeconomic status, obesity, vasomotor symptoms, and dyslipidaemias.