Effect of hormone therapy on postural balance in postmenopausal women

Dizziness in peri- and postmenopausal women is associated with anxiety: a cross-sectional study

Background

Although dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of menopause, the underlying mechanism is not precisely known. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and the factors associated with, dizziness in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we analyzed the first-visit records of 471 Japanese women aged 40 to 65 years who enrolled in a health and nutrition education program at a menopause clinic. The prevalence of dizziness was estimated according to the participants’ responses to the Menopausal Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. The background characteristics of age, menopause status, body composition, cardiovascular parameters, basal metabolism, and physical fitness; other menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor, insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and lifestyle characteristics were assessed for their associations with dizziness.

Results

The percentage of women who suffered from dizziness once a week or more frequently was 35.7%. Compared to the women without dizziness, those with the symptom were younger; had a higher body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and waist-to-hip ratio; had higher systolic pressure; were slower in reaction time; had higher physical and psychological symptom scores of menopause; exercised less regularly; and consumed less alcohol. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the anxiety symptom, which was evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, was the sole factor that was independently associated with dizziness (adjusted odds ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.20).

Conclusions

Dizziness is highly prevalent in Japanese peri- and postmenopausal women and it is associated with anxiety. The treatment of anxiety in this population might improve the symptom.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Balance Using Posturography and Balance Tests in Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVE

The authors examined the impacts of whole-body vibration (WBV) applications on balance control in postmenopausal women using clinical balance tests and computerized static posturography.

DESIGN

Patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with WBV and/or home-based balance coordination exercises (BCEs). Patients in the WBV-BCE group were asked to stand on the platform in standing, squat, and deep squat positions. During each position, 30-sec vibration (30-35 Hz) and 60-sec rest periods were applied twice (20 sessions in total). The BCE program was performed by subjects twice per day. All subjects were evaluated before and after treatment using the Timed Up and Go test and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The fall index and the Fourier index were assessed via computerized static posturography.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were recruited for the study, but only 42 patients (21 in each group) completed it. Fall index and the total values of the Fourier index 2-4 and Fourier index 5-6 frequencies indicated a significant improvement in the WBV-BCE group (P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The ease of applying WBV furthermore supports its inclusion in daily treatment protocols for age-related decline in balance performance in women and improved balance and mobility measures associated with increased fall risk.

Estrogen influences on neuromuscular function in postmenopausal women

Exposure to ovarian sex steroids during different life phases has long-term effects on women's health and wellbeing. Menopause is characterized by rapid decline in ovarian sex steroids already during mid-life, between the ages of 46 and 52. Due to the menopause-related hormonal changes, women in most western countries live more than one-third of their lives in postmenopausal status. The role of ovarian steroids on neuromuscular function in middle-aged and older women has been investigated since the 1980s with increasing volume of research during the last decades. This review considers how different components of the neuromuscular system may be influenced by estrogens and so affects neuromuscular function in postmenopausal women. The main focus is on muscle strength and power, which are closely associated with mobility and functional capacity among older populations. In the end of the review, we summarize recent findings on the underlying biological mechanisms in skeletal muscle that could explain the association between hormone replacement therapy and neuromuscular function among postmenopausal women.