Objective: To explore the correlation of body composition with the severity of menopausal symptoms, as well as each classic menopausal symptom.
Methods: A total of 758 (peri-)menopausal women were recruited (aged from 40 to 67 years) from the Menopause Clinic in the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Different regions of fat mass, lean mass and fat-free mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, while menopausal symptoms were evaluated by valid modified Kupperman's index (KMI) in the Chinese version.
Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression revealed that trunk lean mass (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.99) was the independent determinant of moderate to severe menopausal symptoms (KMI ≥ 16). In multiple regression analysis, significant relationships were found between body mass index and hot flushes/sweating and diabetes (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between lean mass and muscle/joint pain and sexual problems (p < 0.05). We also observed significant relationships between fat mass and hot flushes/sweating and muscle/joint pain.
Conclusions: Our findings indicated that trunk lean mass was an independent protective factor for moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Strengthening the trunk lean mass may alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Keywords: Lean mass; body mass index; fat mass; menopausal symptom.