A new study published on June 18 in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, finds that menopause and hormone therapy status are linked to modifiable health behaviors such as diet, exercise, and sleep duration.
The research analyzed more than 10,000 women to determine whether menopause status and the use of hormones were associated with a healthy lifestyle. Modifiable health behaviors considered in the study included dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep duration. The results suggest that postmenopausal women who never used hormone therapy reported a lower intake of fruit and vegetables compared to other groups. These women were also 19% less likely to meet strength-based activity guidelines.
Sleep patterns differed by both menopause status and hormone therapy use. Sleep duration was shorter among postmenopausal women who had never used hormone therapy. The likelihood of meeting recommended sleep guidelines was found to be 14% lower in never-users of hormone therapy, 26% lower in current users, and 24% lower in past users when compared with premenopausal and perimenopausal women.
Researchers say these findings may be related to elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels seen in postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy, as well as the lower estradiol levels typical after menopause. Lower estradiol has been associated with poorer sleep quality. Additionally, symptoms common during menopause such as hot flashes and urogenital problems can contribute to disturbed sleep; however, these symptoms may be alleviated by the use of hormone therapy.
The survey results are detailed in the article "Menopause and hormone therapy in relation to dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep and meeting lifestyle guidelines."
