Postmenopausal women are weaker than women who have not entered menopause, according to a study published in the September 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
However, the researchers found that physical activity protected women from losing strength as they progress through menopause.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Hospitals followed 563 Chicago-area women for five years.
Strength tests determined how firmly they could grip and pinch.
Women who participated in the study were tested for grip strength with a handgrip dynamometer and a pinch gauge was used to measure strength over the course of the study.
The researchers found that all postmenopausal women experienced a significant decline in pinch strength and a marginally significant decline in grip strength.
The relationship between menopausal status and grip and pinch strength did not differ significantly by race. Overall, African-American women had greater grip and pinch strength than Caucasian women.
"Previous studies examining the relation between menopausal status and physical function have been inconsistent," said researcher Dr. Martha Gulati, of Rush University Medical Center.
Gulati said that is possible that reduced levels of estrogen or changes in other reproductive hormones are responsible for the decline in strength.
"The good news for women is that being physically active -- whether it is a formal exercise program or doing work around the house -- may help stave off a decline in strength brought on by going through menopause," Gulati said.
The researchers theorized that physical activity may influence one's performance on grip and pinch testing through a variety of metabolic and neurologic mechanisms.
Source: Medical Week staff, week of October 9, 2004
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