The Effect of Postmenopausal Ovarian Volume on Lipid and Hormonal Levels

Introduction: Menopause is associated with a proatherogenic lipid profile characterized principally by lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and triglyceride (TG) levels central adiposity and increased diastolic pressure. Sex steroid deficiency, is considered a crucial factor responsible for the menopause-associated changes in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor profile, and consequently for the increase in CVD risk.Aim: To find out whether menopausal ovarian volume can influence the serum levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and free testosterone (FT) and the main serum lipid levels, high and low density lipoproteins (HDLs and LDLs), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG).Patients and Methods: One hundred postmenopausal women were included in this study. They were recruited from Al-Azhar University Hospital Out-patient Clinic. For each woman 5mL venous blood sample was withdrawn, transvaginal ultrasound was carried out and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.Results: Serum cholesterol level showed statistically significant values in relation to LDL, serum TG and E2 levels (p-value 0.01) while HDL, testosterone, E1, BMI, Rt. and Lt. Ovarian volume shows statistically insignificant values (p-value 0.05). The BMI shows statistically significant values in relation to HDL and TG (p-value 0.01, 0.05 respectively). All the parameters showed statistically insignificant values (p-value 0.05) in relation to LDL. Correlation between right and left ovarian volumes and body mass index showed a p-value 0.05 which is insignificant.Conclusion: Although bigger ovarian size may be associated with higher hormonal levels, this is not true in postmenopausal women. Lipid derangement that is associated with lower estrogen levels that is associated with postmenstrual state is not related to ovarian volume.