Menopause Archives - Page 5 of 9 - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(4):178-184
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000400008
PURPOSE: To analyze the climacteric symptoms, nutritional status and distribution of abdominal fat in postmenopausal women using or not hormone therapy. METHODS: exploratory analytical study of the population survey type in the urban area of Maringa, Parana, conducted on 456 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 69 years. Data collection was based on the urbanized census sector (368) of the municipality, according to the Brazilian Demographic Census. A simple random sample proportional to women residing in each census sector was used, and a questionnaire was applied during a home visit, when anthropometric measurements were performed and blood pressure was determined. The Blatt and Kupperman Menopausal Index was used for the evaluation of climacteric symptoms. The outcome variable was the use of hormone therapy. RESULTS: Mean subject age was 58.7 years. Overweight was present in 72.6% of the women and abdominal obesity in 81.4% of them. Mild climacteric symptoms were observed in 69.5% of the women. Only 18.4% of the women studied were using hormone therapy and they were white, non-smokers, had no comorbidities, and had a partner. Users of hormone therapy had a lower frequency of overweight and obesity and had a lower prevalence of severe climacteric symptoms. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity were prevalent in this sample. Although fewer in number, the hormone therapy users had a lower frequency of overweight and mild and severe menopausal symptoms during the postmenopausal period.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(4):178-184
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000400008
PURPOSE: To analyze the climacteric symptoms, nutritional status and distribution of abdominal fat in postmenopausal women using or not hormone therapy. METHODS: exploratory analytical study of the population survey type in the urban area of Maringa, Parana, conducted on 456 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 69 years. Data collection was based on the urbanized census sector (368) of the municipality, according to the Brazilian Demographic Census. A simple random sample proportional to women residing in each census sector was used, and a questionnaire was applied during a home visit, when anthropometric measurements were performed and blood pressure was determined. The Blatt and Kupperman Menopausal Index was used for the evaluation of climacteric symptoms. The outcome variable was the use of hormone therapy. RESULTS: Mean subject age was 58.7 years. Overweight was present in 72.6% of the women and abdominal obesity in 81.4% of them. Mild climacteric symptoms were observed in 69.5% of the women. Only 18.4% of the women studied were using hormone therapy and they were white, non-smokers, had no comorbidities, and had a partner. Users of hormone therapy had a lower frequency of overweight and obesity and had a lower prevalence of severe climacteric symptoms. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity were prevalent in this sample. Although fewer in number, the hormone therapy users had a lower frequency of overweight and mild and severe menopausal symptoms during the postmenopausal period.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(3):103-110
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000300003
PURPOSE: To assess quality of life and climacteric symptoms in women with and without liver transplants. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 52 women undergoing follow-up at a university hospital in southeastern Brazil from February 4th, 2009 to January 5th, 2011. Twenty-four of these women were 35 years old or older and had undergone liver transplantation at least one year before study entry. The remaining 28 women had no liver disease and were matched by age and menstrual patterns to the patients with transplants. The abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Statistical analysis was carried out by Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance. Correlations between MRS and the WHOQOL-BREF were established by correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean age of the women included in the study was 52.2 (±10.4) years and the mean time since transplantation was 6.1 (±3.3) years. Women with liver transplants had better quality of life scores in the environment domain (p=0.01). No difference was noted between the two groups in any domain of the MRS. For women in the comparison group, there was a strongly negative correlation between somatic symptoms in the MRS and the physical domain of the WHOQOL-BREF (p<0.01; r=-0.8). In contrast, there was only a moderate association for women with liver transplants (p<0.01; r=-0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Women with liver transplants had better quality of life scores in the domain related to environment and did not exhibit more intense climacteric symptoms than did those with no liver disease. Climacteric symptoms negatively influenced quality of life in liver transplant recipients, although less intensely than in women without a history of liver disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(3):103-110
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000300003
PURPOSE: To assess quality of life and climacteric symptoms in women with and without liver transplants. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 52 women undergoing follow-up at a university hospital in southeastern Brazil from February 4th, 2009 to January 5th, 2011. Twenty-four of these women were 35 years old or older and had undergone liver transplantation at least one year before study entry. The remaining 28 women had no liver disease and were matched by age and menstrual patterns to the patients with transplants. The abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Statistical analysis was carried out by Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance. Correlations between MRS and the WHOQOL-BREF were established by correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean age of the women included in the study was 52.2 (±10.4) years and the mean time since transplantation was 6.1 (±3.3) years. Women with liver transplants had better quality of life scores in the environment domain (p=0.01). No difference was noted between the two groups in any domain of the MRS. For women in the comparison group, there was a strongly negative correlation between somatic symptoms in the MRS and the physical domain of the WHOQOL-BREF (p<0.01; r=-0.8). In contrast, there was only a moderate association for women with liver transplants (p<0.01; r=-0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Women with liver transplants had better quality of life scores in the domain related to environment and did not exhibit more intense climacteric symptoms than did those with no liver disease. Climacteric symptoms negatively influenced quality of life in liver transplant recipients, although less intensely than in women without a history of liver disease.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(12):555-562
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001200005
PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 158 breast cancer survivors were included in this cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria were: women with amenorrhea >12 months and age ≥45 years, treated for breast cancer and no metastasis for at least five years. Clinical history and anthropometric indicator data (body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, (WC) were collected. Biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured. MetS was diagnosed as the presence of at least three of the following diagnostic criteria: WC>88 cm, blood pressure≥130/85 mmHg, triglycerides≥150 mg/dl, HDL <50 mg/dL,and glucose≥100 mg/dL. The Student's t-test and χ² test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 63.1±8.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 9.1±4.0 years. MetS was diagnosed in 48.1% (76/158) and the most prevalent diagnostic criterion was abdominal obesity (WC>88 cm), affecting 54.4% (86/158) of the women. The patients without MetS had a longer follow-up compared those with MetS (p<0.05). Regarding the current BMI, PN average, those without MetS were overweight, and those with MetS were obese (p<0.05). Among the latter, comparison of BMI at the time of cancer diagnosis and current BMI (27.8±5.4 versus 33.4±5.4 kg/m²) showed a significant weight gain (p<0.05). Mean CRP values were higher in women with MetS (p<0.05). In the comparison of tumor characteristics and cancer treatments there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and central obesity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(12):555-562
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012001200005
PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A total of 158 breast cancer survivors were included in this cross-sectional study. Eligibility criteria were: women with amenorrhea >12 months and age ≥45 years, treated for breast cancer and no metastasis for at least five years. Clinical history and anthropometric indicator data (body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, (WC) were collected. Biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured. MetS was diagnosed as the presence of at least three of the following diagnostic criteria: WC>88 cm, blood pressure≥130/85 mmHg, triglycerides≥150 mg/dl, HDL <50 mg/dL,and glucose≥100 mg/dL. The Student's t-test and χ² test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of breast cancer survivors was 63.1±8.6 years, with a mean follow-up of 9.1±4.0 years. MetS was diagnosed in 48.1% (76/158) and the most prevalent diagnostic criterion was abdominal obesity (WC>88 cm), affecting 54.4% (86/158) of the women. The patients without MetS had a longer follow-up compared those with MetS (p<0.05). Regarding the current BMI, PN average, those without MetS were overweight, and those with MetS were obese (p<0.05). Among the latter, comparison of BMI at the time of cancer diagnosis and current BMI (27.8±5.4 versus 33.4±5.4 kg/m²) showed a significant weight gain (p<0.05). Mean CRP values were higher in women with MetS (p<0.05). In the comparison of tumor characteristics and cancer treatments there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and central obesity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):335-342
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700008
PURPOSE: To evaluate whether climacteric women undergoing liver transplantation had higher prevalence of decreased bone mass than those without any liver disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 48 women receiving follow-up care at a university hospital in Southeastern Brazil, from February 4th 2009 to January 5th 2011, was conducted. Of these women, 24 were 35 years or older and had undergone liver transplantation at least one year before study entry. The remaining 24 women had no liver disease and their ages and menstrual patterns were similar to those of transplanted patients. Laboratorial tests (follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol) and bone density measurements of the lumbar spine and femur (equipment Hologic, Discovery WI) were performed. Statistical analysis was carried out by Fisher's exact test, simple Odds Ratio (OR), and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age of the women included in the study was 52.8 (±10.7) years-old, 27.1% were premenopausal and 72.9% were peri/postmenopausal. Approximately 14.6% of these women exhibited osteoporosis and 35.4% had low bone mass. The following items were associated with decreased bone mass: being postmenopausal (OR=71.4; 95%CI 3.8 - 1,339.7; p<0.0001), current age over 49 years-old (OR=11.4; 95%CI 2.9 - 44.0; p=0.0002), and serum estradiol levels lower than 44.5 pg/mL (OR=18.3; 95%CI 3.4 - 97.0; p<0.0001). Having a history of liver transplantation was not associated with decreased bone mass (OR=1.4; 95%CI 0.4 - 4.3; p=0.56). CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation was not associated with decreased bone mass in this group of climacteric women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):335-342
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700008
PURPOSE: To evaluate whether climacteric women undergoing liver transplantation had higher prevalence of decreased bone mass than those without any liver disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 48 women receiving follow-up care at a university hospital in Southeastern Brazil, from February 4th 2009 to January 5th 2011, was conducted. Of these women, 24 were 35 years or older and had undergone liver transplantation at least one year before study entry. The remaining 24 women had no liver disease and their ages and menstrual patterns were similar to those of transplanted patients. Laboratorial tests (follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol) and bone density measurements of the lumbar spine and femur (equipment Hologic, Discovery WI) were performed. Statistical analysis was carried out by Fisher's exact test, simple Odds Ratio (OR), and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age of the women included in the study was 52.8 (±10.7) years-old, 27.1% were premenopausal and 72.9% were peri/postmenopausal. Approximately 14.6% of these women exhibited osteoporosis and 35.4% had low bone mass. The following items were associated with decreased bone mass: being postmenopausal (OR=71.4; 95%CI 3.8 - 1,339.7; p<0.0001), current age over 49 years-old (OR=11.4; 95%CI 2.9 - 44.0; p=0.0002), and serum estradiol levels lower than 44.5 pg/mL (OR=18.3; 95%CI 3.4 - 97.0; p<0.0001). Having a history of liver transplantation was not associated with decreased bone mass (OR=1.4; 95%CI 0.4 - 4.3; p=0.56). CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation was not associated with decreased bone mass in this group of climacteric women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):329-334
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700007
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of climacteric symptoms on the sexual function in middle-aged women. METHODS: A cross-sectional population study was conducted on a sample of 370 middle-aged women, aged 40 to 65 years-old, cared for at the Basic Health Units in Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We used a questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), while the menopause symptoms by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). RESULTS: In the studied group, 67% of the women reported risk for sexual dysfunction (FSFI≤26.5). All FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were lower in women with risk for sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). The arousal, orgasm, and pain domains were most likely to contribute to lower FSFI scores. All somatovegetative, urogenital, and psychological MRS symptoms were more elevated in women with risk for sexual dysfunction, being significant for all comparisons (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of women with risks of sexual dysfunction to present hot flushes, depression, sexual problems, and vaginal dryness was, respectively, 2.1 (95%CI 1.2 - 3.5); 2.4 (95%CI 1.5 - 4.1); 2.3 (95%CI 1.4 - 3.8), and 2.2 (95%CI 1.3 - 3.6) times higher, respectively, compared to those without any risk. CONCLUSION: Climacteric symptoms seem to influence the sexual function in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):329-334
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700007
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of climacteric symptoms on the sexual function in middle-aged women. METHODS: A cross-sectional population study was conducted on a sample of 370 middle-aged women, aged 40 to 65 years-old, cared for at the Basic Health Units in Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. We used a questionnaire containing questions on sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), while the menopause symptoms by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). RESULTS: In the studied group, 67% of the women reported risk for sexual dysfunction (FSFI≤26.5). All FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were lower in women with risk for sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). The arousal, orgasm, and pain domains were most likely to contribute to lower FSFI scores. All somatovegetative, urogenital, and psychological MRS symptoms were more elevated in women with risk for sexual dysfunction, being significant for all comparisons (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of women with risks of sexual dysfunction to present hot flushes, depression, sexual problems, and vaginal dryness was, respectively, 2.1 (95%CI 1.2 - 3.5); 2.4 (95%CI 1.5 - 4.1); 2.3 (95%CI 1.4 - 3.8), and 2.2 (95%CI 1.3 - 3.6) times higher, respectively, compared to those without any risk. CONCLUSION: Climacteric symptoms seem to influence the sexual function in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(5):215-220
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000500005
PURPOSE: To evaluate factors associated with morbidities among Brazilian women aged 40-65 years and with 11 or more years of schooling. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted, using an anonymous self-report questionnaire completed by 377 women. Were evaluated, with this instrument, some morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, insomnia and depression) and sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and reproductive factors. The association between morbidities and independent variables was evaluated by the Χ2 test. Multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection criteria was used to select the major factors associated with morbid conditions. RESULTS: In the multiple regression analysis, insomnia was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=2.3) and nervousness (OR=5.1). Depression was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=3.7) and bad/poor leisure (OR=2.8). Hypertension was associated with obesity (OR=3.1) and being in postmenopausal (OR=2.6). Diabetes was associated with age above 50 years (OR=3.9) and obesity (OR=12.5). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of morbidities was high and a worse self-perception of health and obesity were the main factors associated with morbidity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(5):215-220
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000500005
PURPOSE: To evaluate factors associated with morbidities among Brazilian women aged 40-65 years and with 11 or more years of schooling. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted, using an anonymous self-report questionnaire completed by 377 women. Were evaluated, with this instrument, some morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, insomnia and depression) and sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and reproductive factors. The association between morbidities and independent variables was evaluated by the Χ2 test. Multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection criteria was used to select the major factors associated with morbid conditions. RESULTS: In the multiple regression analysis, insomnia was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=2.3) and nervousness (OR=5.1). Depression was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=3.7) and bad/poor leisure (OR=2.8). Hypertension was associated with obesity (OR=3.1) and being in postmenopausal (OR=2.6). Diabetes was associated with age above 50 years (OR=3.9) and obesity (OR=12.5). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of morbidities was high and a worse self-perception of health and obesity were the main factors associated with morbidity.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):408-413
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200006
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of middle-aged women. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women aged 40 to 65 years-old recruited from a population-based sample. Enrollment took place in Basic Health Units in each health district of the city (North, South, East, and West) from June to September 2011. According to the Municipal Health Department of the City, 20,801 women were assisted at the Basic Health Units during a one-year period. The sample size calculation was stratified by district and based on a 95% confidence level with a power of 80%, as well as an error estimate of 5% and it was considered proportional to the number of patients classified as having adequate quality of life (indicator >26) in the general population. Data were collected while women waited for their routine appointment at the Health Unit. WHOQOL-Bref was used to evaluate the quality of life, and menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine climacteric symptoms. The level of physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To obtain the classification of PA levels, we used three categories: sedentary, moderately active, and very active. Statistical analysis was performed using the Minitab software, version 16. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years-old (±8.1) and they were predominantly Caucasian (72.7%), married (61.6%), non-smokers (93.5%), and had High School education (47.8%). Using the WHOQOL, mean scores were found to be significantly different between the groups (low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity), classified according to the domains of quality of life (p<0.01). Concerning physical activity and climacteric symptoms, significant differences were found for all domains: psychological (p<0.01), vegetative-somatic (p<0.01), and urogenital (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity improves quality of life in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):408-413
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200006
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of middle-aged women. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women aged 40 to 65 years-old recruited from a population-based sample. Enrollment took place in Basic Health Units in each health district of the city (North, South, East, and West) from June to September 2011. According to the Municipal Health Department of the City, 20,801 women were assisted at the Basic Health Units during a one-year period. The sample size calculation was stratified by district and based on a 95% confidence level with a power of 80%, as well as an error estimate of 5% and it was considered proportional to the number of patients classified as having adequate quality of life (indicator >26) in the general population. Data were collected while women waited for their routine appointment at the Health Unit. WHOQOL-Bref was used to evaluate the quality of life, and menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine climacteric symptoms. The level of physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To obtain the classification of PA levels, we used three categories: sedentary, moderately active, and very active. Statistical analysis was performed using the Minitab software, version 16. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years-old (±8.1) and they were predominantly Caucasian (72.7%), married (61.6%), non-smokers (93.5%), and had High School education (47.8%). Using the WHOQOL, mean scores were found to be significantly different between the groups (low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity), classified according to the domains of quality of life (p<0.01). Concerning physical activity and climacteric symptoms, significant differences were found for all domains: psychological (p<0.01), vegetative-somatic (p<0.01), and urogenital (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity improves quality of life in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(10):310-314
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001000007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HT) on the weight on perimenopausal women as well as the effect of different treatment regimens on this parameter. METHODS: a retrospective study of 139 women with menopause for less than 2 years, who were monitored with periodical visits in our department. We compared two groups: women who started HT (n=89) with women who had no hormonal treatment (n=50) and in the two groups, we evaluated the changes in body weight over a 1-year period. In the first group, we assessed the same parameter as a function of different treatment regimens: estrogen alone versus estrogen combined with progestin and standard dose versus low dose. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: the groups were similar with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics; weight gain was higher in the untreated group (434 vs 76 g), but the difference observed was not significant (p = 0.406); among HT users, those taking estrogen alone had an increased weight gain compared to women taking estrogen with progestin (775 vs 24 g), although no statistically significant difference was observed and the same applied when comparing the dose initially prescribed (92 vs 49 g). CONCLUSIONS: despite the common belief about weight gain associated with HT, the results of the present study seem to contradict this point, with no additional weight gain beyond that normally associated with this period in a woman´s life.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(10):310-314
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001000007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HT) on the weight on perimenopausal women as well as the effect of different treatment regimens on this parameter. METHODS: a retrospective study of 139 women with menopause for less than 2 years, who were monitored with periodical visits in our department. We compared two groups: women who started HT (n=89) with women who had no hormonal treatment (n=50) and in the two groups, we evaluated the changes in body weight over a 1-year period. In the first group, we assessed the same parameter as a function of different treatment regimens: estrogen alone versus estrogen combined with progestin and standard dose versus low dose. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: the groups were similar with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics; weight gain was higher in the untreated group (434 vs 76 g), but the difference observed was not significant (p = 0.406); among HT users, those taking estrogen alone had an increased weight gain compared to women taking estrogen with progestin (775 vs 24 g), although no statistically significant difference was observed and the same applied when comparing the dose initially prescribed (92 vs 49 g). CONCLUSIONS: despite the common belief about weight gain associated with HT, the results of the present study seem to contradict this point, with no additional weight gain beyond that normally associated with this period in a woman´s life.