Menopause may increase asthma risk
21 September 2007

Women who go through the menopause have nearly double the risk of experiencing respiratory conditions such as asthma, but could protect themselves by taking HRT, according a Norwegian study.

Rates of asthma were found to nearly double in menopausal women compared with normally menstruating women, an effect attributed to falling oestrogen levels during and after the menopause.

Problems with breathing and reduced lung function were particularly pronounced for those women who were very thin or overweight.

Although the exact protective role of oestrogen is not yet known, the findings could suggest that women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may avoid some of the problems.

Francisco Gomez Real from the University of Bergen, Norway, who led the research, said: ‘Women who have not menstruated in more than six months have more respiratory symptoms and lower lung function.’

Dr Victoria King, Asthma UK’s Research Development Manager, said: ‘Previous research has suggested that menopause can actually reduce asthma, which conflicts with these findings, therefore it is too early to say exactly how menopause affects asthma symptoms. Some women may find that their asthma becomes troublesome during times of hormonal fluctuation so it is important to keep an eye on your asthma at these times and discuss any problems you have with your doctor or asthma nurse specialist.’