EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDIES OF MENOPAUSE - CHANGES IN RISK-FACTORS AND DISEASE

There have been important studies of changes in risk factors and psych osocial variables during peri- and postmenopause. Most of the studies have been done in whites. Studies have clearly documented changes in b ehavior and biological variables related to menopause. The most critic al questions bear on the interrelationships between sex steroid hormon e levels, life-styles, including diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, obesity, and changes;in key risk factors that are associated with the major causes of morbidity and mortality among postmenopausal women. Th e best study designs should be longitudinal and include frequent, accu rate, and reproducible measurements of biological and psychosocial var iables. Importantly, studies should be done in heterogeneous populatio ns. The most critical variables may be measures of the degree of obesi ty and fatness, diet, and exercise and their relationship to hormonal changes occurring during the peri- and postmenopausal period.