The menopause and oxidative stress

Abstract

Reproductive aging resulting in menopause is characterized by the permanent cessation of ovarian follicular activity. The signs and symptoms resulting from estrogen withdrawal can significantly disrupt a woman's activities of daily living and sense of well being, while predisposing them to osteoporosis and heart disease. Current medical therapies are targeted at symptomatic relief or alleviating the hormonal deficiency itself to prevent its harmful sequelae. The progressive loss of estrogen and its protective effects, combined with deficient endogenous antioxidant, results in oxidative stress-which is implicated in the pathogenesis of vasomotor disturbances, loss of bone mass, and heart disease in menopause. The link between oxidative stress and estrogen deficiency has been demonstrated by numerous studies. Based on this, hormonal replacement therapy, antioxidant supplementation, and lifestyle modification have been investigated for their efficacy and safety in the treatment and prevention of menopause-related symptoms and chronic disease processes.