Prevalence of pre-sarcopenia among postmenopausal women younger than 65 years

Abstract

Objective: Sarcopenia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in older women. Early detection and intervention during the postmenopausal period were hypothesized to help maintain muscle mass and performance. Although the Asian Working Group has developed guidelines for sarcopenia management, the condition has not been sufficiently investigated in the middle-aged cohort of the Asian population. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia in middle-aged postmenopausal women and to determine the factors associated with low muscle mass. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Menopause Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, we used the bioelectrical impedance analysis method to determine the appendicular muscle mass using a body composition analyzer (TANITA MC980 Plus). Appendicular muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and 6-m gait speed were measured in 340 women aged 45 to 65 years. Hormonal profiles, anthropometric data, and relevant history were recorded. Results: The mean age of the study participants and time since menopause were 57.8 ± 4.5 years and 9.4 ± 5.5 years, respectively. The proportion of pre-sarcopenic, sarcopenic, and nonsarcopenic women were 11.8%, 2.7%, and 85.6%, respectively. A body mass index ≤ 20 kg/m2 had the strongest correlation with low muscle mass (odds ratio 7.1; 95% confidence interval 3.0-16.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Nearly 12% of Thai middle-aged postmenopausal women were pre-sarcopenic. Early detection of symptoms of pre-sarcopenia and maintenance of a healthy body mass index may reduce the burden of this condition for middle-aged and older women.

The association between reproductive period and handgrip strength in postmenopausal women: a nationwide cross-sectional study

“…11 Another study on menopausal women aged <65 years, in the Thai population, identified presarcopenia and sarcopenia in 11.8% and 2.7% of the women, respectively, based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. 12 In our study, 8.4% of postmenopausal women had low grip strength based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, which differed from other studies because it excluded women (between the ages of 45 and 75) who had to lie down all day. Resistance exercise and proper nutrition are widely used as nonpharmacological approaches for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.…”

Evidence and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for management of overweight and obesity in midlife women: An AIIMS-DST initiative

“…[ 145 ] Studies suggest that midlife-specific factors such as low estrogen deficiency, limited activity, poor dietary habits (low protein and calcium intake) and low vitamin D levels contribute to conditions such as poor bone density, reduced muscle mass and strength, which consequently lead to osteoporosis and sarcopenia. [ 146 147 ] Although there is a need to assess and understand the cumulative role of comorbid conditions in weight management, such a comprehensive approach is rarely used in healthcare settings. [ 148 ] It becomes crucial to assess the consequence of comorbid conditions on achieving significant weight loss.…”

“…[ 162 ] Poor bone mass and decreased bone mineral density also contribute to compromised mobility and physical functionality interfering with daily life activities. [ 147 ] Factors such as consumption of a diet low in protein and calcium, long-term physical inactivity and low exposure to sunlight are some factors related to musculoskeletal conditions. [ 163 164 ] According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) Criteria, if feasible, bioelectric impedance can be used for assessing muscle strength and muscle mass.…”

Sarcopenia in Menopausal Women: Current Perspectives

“…28 In younger postmenopausal women (57.8 ± 4.5 years), the proportion of pre-sarcopenic, sarcopenic, and nonsarcopenic women are 11.8%, 2.7%, and 85.6%, respectively. 29 Furthermore, the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on sarcopenia are controversial in the available literature. Some authors show that the prolonged use (<13 months) of HT is associated with a lower prevalence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women (odds ratio: 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.88; P = 0.01).…”