An inverse relation between the Simplified Menopausal Index and biological antioxidant potential.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inasmuch as female sex hormones can exhibit antioxidative activity, the oxidative-antioxidative imbalance is mechanistically postulated to be involved in menopausal symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the correlation between the established menopausal index and blood levels of the in vivo antioxidative potential in women. METHOD: Blood antioxidant levels were examined by the biological antioxidative potential (BAP) test and menopausal-like symptoms were determined using the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) in 160 healthy Japanese women (mean age 52 years). RESULTS: A correlation analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between the BAP and SMI levels, independent of age and the body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that menopausal symptoms may be associated with a decrease in antioxidant potential as assessed by the BAP test.