Sensing less, eating differently: menopause is associated with lower olfactory sensitivity and higher starch intake

Abstract

Menopause is known to be associated with major physiological and behavioural changes, yet there is little research focusing on understanding its impacts on chemosensory functions and dietary behaviour. This study investigated the effect of menopause on olfactory sensitivity and eating behaviour. A total of 60 female participants were recruited, comprising pre-menopausal women (n = 30) and post-menopausal women (n = 30), with additional 60 age-matched males included for supplementary evaluation. Olfactory sensitivity to four food-related odorants (i.e., vanillin, butter, banana, strawberry) were assessed using signal detection theory (d') with two-alternative forced choice method. Eating behaviour was evaluated through a 7-day food recall, from which total daily food and macronutrient intake (g and kcal) were calculated. MANCOVAs were conducted to examine differences in olfactory sensitivity and eating behaviour between pre- and post-menopausal groups, with age, BMI, physical activity, and income level included as covariates. Results showed that post-menopausal women had significantly lower olfactory sensitivity compared to pre-menopausal women (F(1,52) = 16.34, p < 0.001). Although significant differences in protein and fat intake were observed between the pre- and post-menopausal groups, no differences were found for carbohydrate or total energy intake (p > 0.1). However, when carbohydrate subtypes were examined, starch intake, but not sugar intake, was significantly higher in post-menopausal women (F(1,52) = 5.40, p = 0.024). These findings suggest that menopause is associated with reduced olfactory sensitivity and altered nutrient selection, with potential implications for dietary guidance and public health strategies in midlife women.