High Androgenicity and Unfavorable Cardiovascular risk profiles in Non-Obese Women around Menopausal Transition

High Androgenicity and Unfavorable Cardiovascular risk profiles in Non-Obese Women around Menopausal Transition

Objective Metabolic changes related to atherogenic diseases have already occurred during menopausal transition rather than after menopause. Also, a change in androgenicity as well as estrogen deficiency occurs around the time of menopausal transition. Focusing on around menopausal transition, we examined the relationships of androgens and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with blood pressure, lipid profiles and insulin resistance in healthy non-obese women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in healthy non-obese women around menopausal transition (107 women in menopausal transition and 106 women in early postmenopause). Serum levels of estradiol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, SHBG, lipid profiles, glucose and insulin as well as blood pressure were measured. Results There were significant positive correlations of total testosterone, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Total testosterone, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone showed significant positive correlations with triglyceride and negative correlations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). SHBG showed a significant positive correlation with HDL-C and negative correlations with triglyceride and glucose. Conclusions High androgenicity indicated by high levels of free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone or low level of SHBG has unfavorable effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles and glycometabolism in non-obese women around menopausal transition.. .