Comparison of serum lipid profile and plasma atherogenic index between premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective: Menopause leads to changes in hormonal status, metabolism and lipid profile. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of menopause and age on lipid profile in women. Methods: This study included 160 postmenopausal and 260 premenopausal healthy women. Serum lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were estimated. Premenopausal women were further arranged in to two different age group of 22-45 years and above 45 years of age. The premenopausal and postmenopausal women were recruited and classified using a comprehensive questionnaire. Results: There were statistically significant increases in TC, LDL-C, TG and AIP but there was no significant difference in HDL-C level between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Only LDL-C level was significantly increased in premenopausal women above 45 years of age compared with the premenopausal women between 22-45 years of age. Conclusion: Menopause alters lipid profile. Atherogenic index of plasma which is a marker of plasma atherogenicity may be used to asses risk of developing atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.