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Menopause and sarcopenia: A potential role for sex hormones.

Maturitas
April 1, 2011
Virginie Messier et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the role of sex hormonal status in sarcopenia development and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions like resistance training for its prevention and treatment.

Results Summary

Resistance training was found effective in attenuating age-related muscle loss and strength, though hormonal supplementation results were contradictory. Further research is needed to identify other mechanisms and interventions for sarcopenia.

Population

Postmenopausal women

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Menopause
decrease
estrogen levels
-
-
associated with a decline
#1
decline in estrogen levels
increase
visceral adiposity
-
-
could lead to an increase
#2
decline in estrogen levels
decrease
bone density
-
-
could lead to a decrease
#3
decline in estrogen levels
decrease
muscle mass
-
-
could lead to a decrease
#4
decline in estrogen levels
decrease
muscle strength
-
-
could lead to a decrease
#5
resistance training
decrease
age-related muscle loss and strength
-
-
has been shown to be effective in attenuating
#6
Abstract

Menopause is associated with a decline in estrogen levels, which could lead to an increase in visceral adiposity as well as a decrease in bone density, muscle mass and muscle strength. This decline in muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is frequently observed in postmenopausal women. Potential causes of sarcopenia include age-related changes in the hormonal status, low levels of physical activity, reduced protein intake and increased oxidative stress. However, the role of sex hormones, specifically estrogens, on the onset of sarcopenia is controversial. Preventing sarcopenia and preserving muscle strength are highly relevant in order to prevent functional impairment and physical disability. To date, resistance training has been shown to be effective in attenuating age-related muscle loss and strength. However, results on the effect of hormonal supplementation to treat or prevent sarcopenia are contradictory. Further research is needed to identify other potential mechanisms of sarcopenia as well as effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Therefore, the purpose of this review will be to examine the role of sex hormonal status in the development of sarcopenia. We will also overview the physical as well as metabolic consequences of sarcopenia and the efficiency of different interventions for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgingEstrogen Replacement TherapyEstrogensFemaleHumansMuscle StrengthMuscle, SkeletalPostmenopauseResistance TrainingSarcopenia
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy80/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations253
Citations/Year18.1
Relative Citation Ratio8.65
NIH Percentile97.2%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score1.53
Normalized Score0.67
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