To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) during postmenopausal years and previous menstrual irregularity during reproductive years, we performed a case-control study in 414 postmenopausal women (mean age 60.4 ± 5.5 years; BMI 25.3 ± 4.7 kg/m²). The variables assessed were: menstrual cycle characteristics at age 2035y (independent) and records of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (dependent). Statistical analysis used the chi-square test and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders for cardiovascular risk, with significance set at 5%. Women reporting previous menstrual irregularity were associated with increased risk for some CVRF [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.14; CI-95%= 1.024.48], when compared with those reporting regular menstrual cycles. Stratified analysis demonstrated significant associations of previous menstrual irregularity with: arterial hypertension [OR= 2.74; CI-95%= 1.395.41), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 2.32; CI-95%= 1.174.59), hypertriglyceridemia (OR= 2.09; CI-95%=1.104.33), and coronary angioplasty (OR= 6.82; CI-95%= 1.4432.18). These data suggest that a prior history of menstrual irregularity, as indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, may be related to increased risk for CVD during postmenopausal years.
Menstrual irregularity; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Metabolic syndrome; Cardiovascular risk factors; Cardiovascular disease
