Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural biological phenomenon during which irreversible changes in the hormonal and reproductive functions of the ovaries lead to physical, social, and psychological changes in women. The progressive loss of estrogen and its protective effects predisposes to the development of oxidative stress and related diseases in postmenopausal women which, in turn, can impair their quality of life.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study and compare the levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal females.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in 100 healthy women, of which 50 were postmenopausal in the age group of 50–60 years and 50 were premenopausal in the age group of 30–40 years. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18.

Results: Oxidative stress was increased in postmenopausal women as evidenced by significantly elevated MDA and reduced SOD.

Conclusion: Menopause is associated with oxidative stress which predisposes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, vasomotor disturbances, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, and hypertension. Dietary management, antioxidant supplementation, and moderate physical activity would help them to prevent diseases related to menopause.

Key words: Menopause; Oxidative Stress; Osteoporosis; Cardiovascular Diseases