Menopause signifies a crucial phase in a woman’s life characterized by the cessation of menstruation and a host of hormonal changes. One significant consequence of these changes is the increased prevalence of insulin resistance, a condition where the body fails to respond optimally to insulin. Insulin resistance can set the stage for various metabolic disorders, leading to complications such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and even cardiovascular diseases. As women transition into menopause, the decline in estrogen levels exacerbates these risks, creating a pressing need for effective interventions to mitigate these adverse outcomes.
In recent studies, the discussion surrounding hormone therapy (HT) for alleviating menopause symptoms has broadened to include its potential benefits on metabolic health. This upward trend in research aims to dispel long-standing concerns regarding hormone therapy’s safety and efficacy for women navigating the postmenopausal landscape.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis involving 23 randomized trials have illuminated the impact of hormone therapy on insulin resistance among healthy postmenopausal women. The analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in insulin resistance levels, as assessed by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The results revealed a notable mean difference of -0.239, with confidence intervals suggesting robustness in the outcomes (95% CI -0.362 to -0.116, P
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