Menopause and sarcopenia: A potential role for sex hormones.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.