A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Menopause on Oxidative Stress

Background&Objectives: Free oxygen radicals have been proposed as important causative agents of ageing and menopause is a natural step in the process of ageing. The intricate balance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species seems to be disturbed in post-menopausal women due to deficiency of estrogen, which is a powerful antioxidant. In view of this background, present study was carried out to find correlation between menopause and oxidative stress, if any.

Method: Oxidative stress was evaluated in 105 women by estimating levels of superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, and malondialdehyde in blood/serum spectrophotometrically. The subjects consisted of 35 women of three distinct groups, namely, reproductive age, peri-menopausal, and postmenopausal. Data obtained was analyzed by student's t- test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Peri- and post-menopausal women exhibited significantly low erythrocyte SOD and serum ascorbic acid levels and significantly high serum MDA levels as compared to the women of reproductive age.

Interpretation&Conclusion: Findings of this study corroborate the hypothesis that gradual loss of ovarian function is associated with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress as exhibited by increased MDA levels and decreased levels of antioxidants.