New York, October 30 (IANS). It is believed that menopause at an early age is harmful for women’s health. At the same time, a research has revealed that menopause at an older age can increase the risk of asthma.
Asthma is a common and very old disease. Due to which more than 300 million people are affected worldwide.
Several studies have suggested a possible connection between asthma and sex hormones. The most notable fact is that adult-onset asthma is more common in women than in men. Childhood asthma is more common in boys. Whereas after adolescence it is seen more in girls.
Asthma is more severe in women and the chances of recovery from the disease are less.
The study, published online in Menopause, the journal of the Menopause Society, looks at the role of natural estrogen and synthetic estrogen (such as those used in hormone therapy).
Researchers in the study found that women with premature menopause (which occurs between the ages of 40 and 44) had a lower risk of asthma, which they attributed to the role of estrogen in increasing the risk of asthma.
The study found that women who used hormone therapy had a 63 percent increased risk of asthma, while women who stopped therapy were twice as likely to abandon asthma treatment.
Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society, said: “This study highlights gender-based differences in asthma, with women at greater risk of asthma than men in adulthood.
It also showed that women who enter menopause late have a higher risk than women who enter menopause early.”
“Physicians should be aware of this association and monitor asthma symptoms in women who delay natural menopause,” Faubion said.
High body mass index is also a risk factor for women, but not for men, because fat produces estrogen.
The study is based on 10-year follow-up data of more than 14,000 postmenopausal women.
–IANS
MKS/GKT