The menopausal transition: A 9-year prospective population-based study. The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the natural history of the menopause in Australian-born women. To determine the hormonal changes relating to the menopausal transition (MT) and how these affect quality of life, bone mineral density, body composition, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and memory. Design: A 9-year prospective, observational study of a population-based sample of 438 Australian-born women aged 45-55 years at baseline. By the 9th year, the retention rate was 88%. Interviews, blood sampling, menstrual calendars, quality of life and physical measures were taken annually, and bone mineral density was measured bi-annually. Results: The late MT coincides with changes in estradiol, follicle sti..