When menopause is mentioned, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep changes usually receive the most attention. However, the effects of this life stage can reach a less known area for women: lung health. Scientific research indicates that the menopausal transition is associated with a more accelerated reduction in lung function, beyond what is naturally expected with aging.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine in 2016 tracked data from 1,438 women and identified a faster loss of lung capacity among those undergoing the menopausal transition or who had already reached post-menopause. The association remained even after adjustments for factors such as age, weight, and smoking.
On World Menopause Day, celebrated on October 18, pulmonologist Jéssica Polese highlights the importance of including respiratory health in the care of women during this phase.
"When we think of menopause, we usually remember hot flashes and hormonal changes, but the lungs also deserve attention. The changes that occur in the body can influence respiratory function, and this is something many women are unaware of. It doesn’t mean that all will have lung problems, but it is important to recognize this relationship," she explains.
In the research, the annual reduction in forced vital capacity, a measure indicating the volume of air a person can exhale after a deep inhalation, was approximately 10 milliliters greater among women in the menopausal transition and 12.5 milliliters greater in post-menopause, compared to those who were still menstruating regularly.
Although the numbers may seem small, they represent differences in the rate of lung function loss observed over time. Researchers point out that hormonal changes may be involved in this process, but the mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
Additionally, other research has identified an association between menopause and the onset of respiratory symptoms, including asthma. A longitudinal study involving 2,322 women from Northern Europe found a higher chance of developing asthma among participants in the menopausal transition and post-menopause, compared to women who had not yet entered this phase.
"It is important for women to observe changes in their own respiratory capacity. Experiencing shortness of breath during activities that were previously done normally, having wheezing or persistent cough are situations that need evaluation. These symptoms should not be considered natural consequences of age or menopause without investigation," warns Jéssica.
*When to Investigate Lung Health*
The specialist explains that monitoring should consider smoking history, the presence of respiratory diseases, exposure to pollutants, and the symptoms presented. When necessary, spirometry can be used to assess lung function and assist in identifying changes.
Jéssica emphasizes that the results of the studies do not mean that menopause causes lung diseases in all women. The main message is that respiratory health should also be part of comprehensive care during this life stage.
"Menopause is a natural stage, but that doesn’t mean that all symptoms that appear during this period are normal. The earlier we identify a respiratory change, the greater the chances of guiding treatment and preserving quality of life," she concludes.
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