Midtveisevaluering - Kai Triebner

Abstract: Menopause and respiratory health: The role of sex hormones, life-style factors and hormone therapy

Background: Late onset respiratory disorders like asthma show higher prevalence in women compared to men, especially from the age of menopause on. So far there is limited and conflicting evidence on the effect of menopause on respiratory health.

Objectives: This project aims to study whether asthma and respiratory symptoms differ in women by menopausal status, whether menopause is related to lung function and in how far hormone profiles and hormone therapy play a role. This is being investigated in three large longitudinal, population-based studies taking lifestyle factors into account.

Methods: The Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study, the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and the Tasmanian Health Study (TAHS) provide questionnaire data pertaining to respiratory and reproductive health. They further provide ca. 3000 serum samples, which are being analyzed for various sex hormones.

First results: The odds of new-onset asthma were increased in women who were transitional (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.09 – 5.30), early postmenopausal [2.11 (1.06 – 4.20)] and late postmenopausal [3.44 (1.31 – 9.05)] at last follow-up as compared to non-menopausal women. The risk of respiratory symptoms increased in early postmenopausal (Coeff. 0.40, 95% CI 0.06 – 0.75) and late postmenopausal [0.69 (0.15 – 1.23)] women. These findings were consistent irrespective of smoking status and across study centers.


First conclusions: New-onset asthma and respiratory symptoms increased in women becoming postmenopausal in a longitudinal population-based study. Clinicians should be aware that respiratory health might deteriorate in women during reproductive aging.