Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 01, 2025 2 days, 20 hours, 7 minutes ago
Medical News: Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life marking the end of menstruation, typically occurring between the ages of 44 and 55. While a biological inevitability, menopause brings significant physiological changes, including the decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift impacts various aspects of health, notably bone density, muscle mass, and physical strength. For many women, these changes lead to a reduced quality of life, increased risk of falls, and greater dependency on others.
Hormone Therapy Safeguards Muscle Strength in Menopause
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which supplements estrogen, has been recognized as a potential intervention to mitigate these adverse effects. However, the exact mechanisms by which HRT impacts skeletal muscle and physical capacity remain unclear. A recent study spearheaded by researchers from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Pakistan sheds light on the protective role of HRT on neuromuscular health. This
Medical News report delves into their findings and explores the broader implications for post-menopausal women.
The Role of the Neuromuscular Junction
A critical aspect of skeletal muscle function is the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), where nerve cells transmit signals to muscle fibers, enabling movement and strength. Damage to the NMJ leads to muscle weakness and atrophy. Researchers have identified a protein called agrin, present in the NMJ, as a key player in its health. When agrin breaks down, it releases fragments into the bloodstream, such as the C-terminal agrin fragment-22 (CAF22). Elevated levels of CAF22 signal NMJ degradation, correlating with diminished muscle strength and physical capacity.
Study Details: Investigating the Impact of HRT
The study, conducted from February to April 2024, involved 137 women divided into three groups: pre-menopausal women, post-menopausal women using HRT, and post-menopausal women not using HRT. Participants underwent tests measuring handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Blood samples were also analyzed to measure CAF22 levels, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress.
Key Findings: The Protective Role of HRT
The findings revealed stark differences between the groups. Post-menopausal women not using HRT exhibited significantly lower HGS, slower gait speeds, and elevated CAF22 levels compared to their pre-menopausal counterparts. These indicators pointed to NMJ degradation and reduced muscle function. Conversely, post-menopausal women using HRT demonstrated:
-Higher HGS and gait speeds, comparable to pre-menopausal women.
-Lower levels of CAF22, suggesting less NMJ damage.
-Reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Interestingly, while HRT users showed improvements in muscle strength and physical performance, their muscle mass (SMI) did not
differ significantly from non-users. This underscores the notion that HRT primarily enhances muscle function rather than merely preserving mass.
Unpacking the Mechanisms
The study’s mediation analysis provided deeper insights. Researchers discovered that the benefits of HRT on muscle strength were partly mediated by reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Estrogen, the primary hormone supplemented by HRT, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By mitigating these harmful processes, HRT helps maintain NMJ integrity and supports muscle function.
The protective effects of HRT also extended to systemic health markers. For instance, HRT users exhibited healthier cholesterol profiles and lower creatine kinase levels, the latter being a marker of muscle damage. These findings highlight HRT’s multifaceted role in preserving physical health during menopause.
Practical Implications
The implications of this study are far-reaching. For clinicians, it emphasizes the potential of HRT as a targeted therapy to combat sarcopenia - the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength - in post-menopausal women. By preserving NMJ health, HRT not only improves physical performance but also reduces the risk of falls and associated complications.
For patients, the findings underscore the importance of proactive management of menopausal symptoms. While HRT may not be suitable for everyone due to individual health considerations, it offers a viable option for those seeking to maintain physical independence and quality of life.
Conclusions: A Step Forward in Menopausal Health
The transition into menopause brings inevitable challenges, but interventions like HRT provide a beacon of hope. This study unequivocally demonstrates the ability of HRT to safeguard muscle strength and physical capacity by preserving NMJ integrity. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, HRT not only counters muscle degradation but also enhances overall health markers.
For women navigating the complexities of menopause, these findings highlight the value of informed decision-making and open dialogue with healthcare providers. Future research should focus on optimizing HRT regimens and exploring complementary therapies to further enhance outcomes.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Oman Medical Association.
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-8759/1/1/8
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbal-insights-for-fighting-postmenopausal-osteoporosis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/fungal-changes-in-postmenopausal-women-s-mouths-may-affect-overall-health
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/menopause
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