Menopause, Visceral Adiposity, and Insulin Resistance: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Implications
Menopause, Visceral Adiposity, and Insulin Resistance: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Implications
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.0159662611057
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Palavras-chave: Menopausa; Resistência à insulina; Estrogênio; Síndrome metabólica; Obesidade visceral; Saúde cardiovascular
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Keywords: Menopause; Insulin resistance; Estrogen; Metabolic syndrome; Visceral obesity; Cardiovascular health
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Abstract: Menopause represents a physiological stage of female aging characterized by the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles resulting from ovarian failure and the progressive decline in the production of sex hormones, especially estrogen. These hormonal changes promote important metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory impacts, significantly contributing to the development of insulin resistance. The present study aimed to analyze the influence of menopausal hormonal changes on insulin sensitivity and the main mechanisms involved in this process. This is a bibliographic review based on studies related to menopause, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. The results demonstrated that estrogen deficiency favors visceral fat accumulation, alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, increased inflammatory mediators, and endothelial dysfunction. A higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus was also observed in postmenopausal women. In addition, factors such as sedentary lifestyle, inadequate diet, and reduction in muscle mass aggravate insulin resistance. In contrast, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and hormone therapy showed positive effects on insulin sensitivity and metabolic control. It is concluded that menopause is directly related to an increased female cardiometabolic risk, making clinical monitoring and the adoption of preventive strategies essential to minimize metabolic complications and promote better quality of life for women during the postmenopausal period.
- Mariane Costa Raimundo
- Henrique José Souza Guedes de Oliveira Regis
- João Alves da Conceição Neto
- UMBERTO CRISAFULLI