Physical Activity May Help Women Maintain Muscle Mass After Menopause

Menopause is associated with a natural decline in estrogen, which often leads to increases in visceral fat mass, and decreases in bone mass density, muscle mass, and strength. According to a new study, physical activity may help women maintain muscle mass after menopause.

For their study, the researchers used data from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis study, which followed 234 women from perimenopause to early postmenopause. The average age at the beginning of the study was 51 ½ and the average age at the end of the study was 53. Hormone levels, muscle size, physical activity levels, and muscle fiber properties were assessed at baseline and at early postmenopause.

Menopause was found to be associated with significant decreases in muscle mass. However, women who were more physically active had more muscle mass before and after menopause, compared to women who were less active.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Jyväskylä. It was published online ahead of print on May 23, 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.