Role Of Free Radicals In Menopausal Distress

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the extent of free radical damage in the form of oxidative stress and the antioxidant status in postmenopausal females as compared to premenopausal females. Methods: 100 female subjects (age group 40-50 years) were studied of which 50 were premenopausal and 50 postmenopausal. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimating malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product in the form of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Antioxidants in the form of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), vitamin C and E were measured in both the groups. Results: On comparative evaluation, SOD, GPx and vitamin C levels were significantly decreased (p <0.001) whereas MDA and CAT levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in postmenopausal females as compared to premenopausal females. However there was no significant difference in levels of vitamin E in both the groups (p >0.05). Conclusion: Postmenopausal females are exposed to greater risk of oxidative stress as compared to premenopausal females and many of the health problems of menopause may be related to increased oxidative damage.