Summary
In this article by Dana Humes Goff, APRN, CNM, DNP, the impact of estrogen deficiency on obesity in post-menopausal women is explored. Reduced estrogen receptors in female mice led to cardiac dysfunction and weight gain, with surprising results when the sex hormone estrogen receptor was blocked. This discovery highlights the importance of estrogen in heart health and preventing obesity-related conditions in post-menopausal females. The article also discusses the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy for improving quality of life and focusing on preventative healthcare for women as they age. If you're a female patient in Peoria, IL, seeking menopause treatment options, the Couri Center offers comprehensive care to address these concerns.
We have long been aware of the benefit of estrogen in cardiac protection in women, but once women reach the age of menopause, estrogen levels drop, and women become at increased risk for a number of conditions, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Study Finds Reduced Estrogen Receptors in Female Mice Led to Increased Obesity and Cardiac Dysfunction
In a recent study, researchers found that a reduced estrogen receptor in the heart cells of mice, which is responsible for heart contractions, led to moderate cardiac dysfunction and increased obesity in the female mice but not the males.
Blocking Estrogen Receptors in Heart Cells Also Resulted in Heavier Mice with Increased Fat Mass
When this newly identified sex hormone estrogen receptor in the heart was blocked by the researchers, it resulted in heavier mice with increased fat mass, which was an unexpected finding in the study.
Implications for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Related Conditions in Post-Menopausal Women
This important finding has implications for the prevention and treatment of cardiac and metabolic disease in post-menopausal females and can aid healthcare providers when focusing on preventative healthcare for women as they age.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Improves Quality of Life and Can Aid in Preventative Healthcare for Women as They Age
We’ve long been aware of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy in bone and brain health, as well as improved quality of life by reducing the symptoms of menopause, such as brain fog, decreased libido, and hot flashes. The possibility of being able to focus on the avoidance of future diseases such as obesity, cardiac disease, and diabetes-related to menopause is exciting news.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss the transition to menopause and treatment options, please contact our office at 309-692-6838 for an appointment.
Dana Humes Goff, APRN, CNM, DNP
Resources
Tham, Y.K., Bernardo, B.C., Claridge, B. et al. Estrogen receptor alpha deficiency in cardiomyocytes reprograms the heart-derived extracellular vesicle proteome and induces obesity in female mice. Nat Cardiovasc Res 2, 268–289 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44161-023-00223-z
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