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Lung function, respiratory symptoms, and the Menopausal transitionThe relationship between asthma and menopause has not been well understood. It seems there have been few studies addressing potential changes in lung function related to menopause. The authors of a study published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology wanted to study whether the menopausal change is related to lung function and asthma and whether body fat has an effect. This study goes further than previous studies by collecting objective data: measurements of lung function, blood samples with measurements of sex hormones, questionnaire data about menstrual status; and measurements of IgE (allergic antibody) for assessment of allergic asthma symptoms. Study findings linked menopause to lower lung function and more respiratory symptoms, especially among thin women. The main implication of the study is that women undergoing menopause might be at risk of worsening lung health. However, thin women who had reached menopause have a four times greater risk of asthma than thin women who are still menstruating. Why would menopause cause asthma? It's probably all about the hormones. Declining estrogen levels increase insulin resistance, which in turn increases risk of lung inflammation. Lung inflammation drives asthma. And why would thin women be at the greatest risk? Fat tissue produces estrogen, so the leanest women would miss the benefits of some fat. Too much fat, as in obesity, itself increases insulin resistance. So obesity cancels out the extra protection afforded by extra estrogen production by fat cells. |
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© 1996-2008 · All Rights Reserved · American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology |
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