Hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep disorders… American researchers provide a complete overview of the most common conditions among postmenopausal women.
- Study reveals the most common conditions among women ages 40 to 59 in the Midwestern United States, with a marked increase in eight health conditions.
- Among them, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, thyroid disorders, osteoarthritis… The researchers were “surprised” to see such a significant increase in sleep disorders, acid reflux and joint pain from this age that.
- The study also highlights socioeconomic disparities. Women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, for example, are more affected by high cholesterol, sleep disorders and hypertension.
Menopause, which occurs around age 50, often marks a critical phase for women’s health, but it remains understudied. “Most research examines men and women together, even though we know that the two age differently. So it is essential to do separate studies to understand these differences.”
New research, led by Mayo Clinic scientists, paints a comprehensive picture of the most commonly diagnosed conditions among middle-aged women in the Midwestern United States.
Diseases on the rise
As part of their work, published in the journal Menopauseresearchers analyzed the medical records of nearly 87,000 women as part of the Rochester Epidemiology Project. They found that eight health conditions tend to increase by 45% or more between ages 40 and 59:
-Lipid metabolism disorders (high cholesterol)
-High blood pressure
-Sleep disorders
-Thyroid disorders
-Esophageal disorders (including acid reflux)
-Osteoarthritis
-Tendin disorders
-Menopause-related disorders (such as hot flashes)
In a press releaseresearchers emphasize that these conditions reflect biological changes linked to menopause. They say they have been “surprised” to see such a significant increase in sleep disorders, acid reflux and joint pain from this age. On the other hand, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia from the age of forty affect both women and men.
Persistent inequalities
These results reinforce the need to better understand the biological changes at this stage of life, to develop targeted treatments and ensure appropriate monitoring.
The study also highlights socioeconomic disparities. Women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, for example, are more affected by high cholesterol, sleep disorders and hypertension. “It is crucial to focus our efforts on these populations to diagnose and treat these conditions in time”insist the researchers, advocating equitable care for all women.
