• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.863-869
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• 2002

Soy isoflavones have been hypothesized to exert hormonal effects and to enhance bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of soy isoflavones supplements on bone mineral density and sex hormones (serum estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone) in 47 postmenopausal women. There were 24 participants in the treatment group and 23 in the control group. The treatment group consumed the isoftavones extract capsule daily (which contained 90 mg of soy isoflavones) for 12 weeks. The study compared pre- and post-isoflavones intake in the following areas: physical examination, diet survey, bone mineral density and serum sex hormone levels. The average age of the treatment group was 64.63 years and that of the control group was 66.48 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of height, weight, and body mass index. Both groups maintained regular diet patterns in terms of their average daily nutrient intake. There was no significant difference between the treatment group (18.49 mg) and the control group (21.27 mg) in terms of daily isoflavones intake based on diet. The 12-week analysis of bone mineral density change after taking isoflavones supplements demonstrated no significant differences in the following : lumbar spine BMD (0.82 g/$\textrm{cm}^2$ in pre versus 0.81 g/$\textrm{cm}^2$ in post), femoral neck BMD (0.58 g/$\textrm{cm}^2$ in pre versus 0.57 g/$\textrm{cm}^2$ in post) in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in serum estradiol in the isoflavones treatment group. The subjects indicated no significant difference in serum testosterone in the isoflavones treatment group. But the subjects indicated a significant difference in sex hormone-binding globulin (60.04 nmol/L in pre versus 52.39 nmol/L in post) in the isoflavones treatment group at the levels of p < 0.05. The significant decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin did indicate the need for long-term study on isoflavones supplementation as well as its positive effect on bone mineral density.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.246-251
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• 2007

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) with an increased risk of fracture. Low bone mass results from an imbalance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays a critical role in osteoclast development and thus is an important candidate gene affecting bone turnover and BMD. In order to investigate the genetic effects of MITF variations on osteoporosis, we directly sequenced the MITF gene in 24 Koreans, and identified fifteen sequence variants. Two polymorphisms (+227719C > T and +228953A > G) were selected based on their allele frequencies, and then genotyped in a larger number of postmenopausal women (n = 560). Areal BMD ($g/cm^2$) of the anterior-posterior lumbar spine and the non-dominant proximal femur was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We found that the MITF + 227719C > T polymorphism was significantly associated with low BMD of the trochanter (p = 0.005-0.006) and total femur (p = 0.02-0.03) (codominant and dominant models), while there was no association with BMD of the lumbar spine. The MITF+228953A > G polymorphism was also associated with low BMD of the femoral shaft (p = 0.05) in the recessive model. Haplotype analysis showed that haplotype 3 of the MITF gene (MITF-ht3) was associated with low BMD of the trochanter (p = 0.03-0.05) and total femur (p = 0.05) (dominant and codominant models). Our results suggest that MITF variants may play a role in the decreased BMD of the proximal femur in postmenopausal women.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2012

The research is performed in order to know the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and the physical fitness targeted for menopausal women (over 45 years). All subjects were divided into 4 groups; group without risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS-0: n=74), group having one risk factor of metabolic syndrome (MS-1: n=68), group having two risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS-2: n=44), and group having more than three risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS ${\geq}$ 3: n=30). All groups' height, weight, body mass index and percent of body fat were measured. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglyceride, glucose and blood pressure (BP) levels were measured. Their cardiorespiratory ($VO_2max$) endurance, muscular strength, muscle endurance, and flexibility were measured. HDL, triglyceride, glucose and BP levels in MS-1, MS-2, and MS ${\geq}$ 3 group were significantly greater than those of MS-0 group. The endurance ($VO_2max$) in MS ${\geq}$ 3 group was higher than that of MS-0 group. Multiple regression with the risk factors of metabolic syndrome and the physical fitness showed a statistical significance in only $VO_2max$. We found that the risk factors of the metabolic syndrome adversely affect postmenopausal women's $VO_2max$ and that a decreased $VO_2max$ may have prognostic value for the prediction of metabolic syndrome.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.147-159
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Complementary and alternative medicines can be used to alleviate climacteric symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Isoflavones are the most common plant-based therapies for postmenopausal changes, but the results of previous studies have been controversial. MATERIALS/METHODS: To investigate whether isoflavones would affect menopausal symptoms as well as ovarian hormones, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were used to perform the systematic search. Included studies were limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of isoflavone supplementation on menopausal symptoms. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included for the final quantitative assessment. Isoflavone intervention was varied between 49.3 and 135 mg of isoflavones per day for 12 wk-2 yrs. The meta-analysis showed that supplementation of isoflavones significantly increased the estradiol levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.615, P = 0.035) and Kupperman index (SMD = 3.121, P = 0.003) but had no significant effect on hot flashes, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. However, both estradiol and the Kupperman index showed significant heterogeneity among studies (I² = 94.7%, P < 0.001 and I² = 98.1%, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although the results showed a significant SMD in estradiol and the Kupperman index, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity. Further validation with a larger RCT will be necessary. Overall, isoflavone supplementation has distinct effects on the climacteric symptoms and hormonal changes in postmenopausal women.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.101-106
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• 2000

Menopausal women experience urogenitory and vasomotor symptoms with increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, which can be reduced by hormone replacement therapy. However unopposed estrogen therapy has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial hypeiplasia or cancer. The objectives of this study were to compare effects of continuous vs. sequential hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on lipid profile, bone mineral density and menopausal symptoms of postmenopausal women and to assess how they perceive the menopause and HRT culturally. In this retrospective study, women in menopause longer than 6 months, normal in the mam-mogram and Papanicolaou smear, cholesterol level lower than 190 mg/dL or triglyceride level lower 4han 500 mg/dL were treated with Srogen (conjugated equine estrogen 0.625 mg tablet) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg tablet) for continuous treatment(CT) or Cycloprogynova (Estradiol valerate 2 mg and Norgestrel 0.5 mg complex tablet) for sequential treatment(ST). They were evaluated for lipid profile, bone mineral density, menopausal symptoms, side effects and their perception of menopause and HRT. As results, total sixty-seven patients out of ninety-four enrollees were included in final analysis (33 in continuous therapy, 34 in sequential therapy). There were significant decrease in total cholesterol ($15.04\pm3.17$, p=0.0001), LDL ($19.72\pm3.27$, p=0.0001), and increase in HDL ($5.89\pm1.63$, p=0.0001). Bone minora) density increased significantly with HRT ($0.02\pm0.11$, p=0.0001). But, there were no significant differences in change of lipid profile between continuous and sequential therapy: Total cholesterol, $13.12\pm4.7\;vs.\;16.91\pm4.3;\;LDL\;20.53\pm4.1\;vs.\;18.93\pm5.12:HDL\;7.15\pm2.3\;vs.\;4.67\pm2.2,\;p>0.05$. Incidences of flush reduced from $75\%\;(CT)\;to\;3.13\%\;and\;71.88\%\;(ST)\;to\;9.35\%$. The change of endometrium and breast were found 3 (CT) and 5 (ST) women, respectively. Most of women recognized that HRT is necessary $(70\%)$ for postmenopausal period but did not understand well the cardiovascular protective effect. In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy was effective in improving lipid profile, bone mineral density and menopausal symptoms in both continuous and sequential treatments with similar efficacy.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.549-558
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aerobic exercise on the blood lipids, leptin, ghrelin, and HOMA-IR factors in obese postmenopausal Korean women. Thirty-six healthy postmenopausal women (mean age, $54.47{\pm}2.50$ years) with >32 % body fat were assigned randomly to an aerobic exercise group (n = 18) or to a "no exercise" control group (n = 18). The subjects' body composition, blood lipid, leptin, ghrelin levels, and HOMA-IR were measured before and after a 16-week line-dancing program. The exercise group showed a significant decrease in body weight, percent body fat, body mass index, visceral fat area, leptin, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, this group exhibited a significant increase in the apolipoprotein A-I, ghrelin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The energy metabolic factors that influenced the visceral fat included ghrelin, leptin, insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR. The t-value, which determined the statistical significance of the independent variables, was significant for ghrelin, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). Regular and continuous aerobic exercise (e.g., line dancing) effectively improved the body composition, visceral fat, serum blood lipids, leptin, ghrelin, and HOMA-IR factors in obese postmenopausal Korean women.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.77-88
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• 2020

Objectives: The study evaluated middle-aged women using the Core Seven Emotions Inventory-short form (CSEI-s) followed by a correlation analysis with Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Methods: In this study, the medical records of 47 women who visited W University Oriental Medicine Hospital and completed the CSEI-s and MRS were evaluated. A total of 47 women were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science, IBM, United States of America, Version 23.0). Frequency analysis, descriptive analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe test, and correlation analysis were conducted. Results: 1. Approximately one-third of all subjects were more than cautious expressing joy and fright. 2. According to their educational status, high-school graduates thought they were superior to those with a bachelor's degree or above. 3. Anger was expressed with caution in the group with severe menopausal symptoms. 4. Anger, thought, depression, sorrow, fear, and fright showed a positive correlation with MRS scores. 5. Among premenopausal and postmenopausal women, fright was associated with menopausal symptoms and response by the autonomous nervous system. Conclusions: The results suggest that CSEI-s can be used to measure the psychological symptoms of middle-aged women.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.988-994
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• 2015

Menopausal status and hormonal changes are important factors related to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women. Nutrient intake is also a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Although, postmenopausal status and hormonal changes result in a 60% increased risk for metabolic syndrome, there has been no method to elucidate the effects of nutrient intake on metabolic syndrome following menopause. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nutrient intake by menopausal women on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. All data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009. Menopausal women showed a 1.8-fold increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome group showed significantly lower values in calcium, iron, vitamin A, carotin, retinol and riboflavin intake than those of normal group in premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, there are significant differences in crude fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin and niacin. Indeed, different patterns of nutrient intake were observed by menopausal status and metabolic syndrome. As menopause cannot be controlled, a diet with adequate nutrient intake may be useful to control the rapid increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome due to menopause.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.136-144
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• 2009

Purpose: Natural menopause resulting in the decline in endogenous estrogen concentrations is responsible for an increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in post-menopausal women. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures was used. The participants in the study, 29 women in the Tai Chi group and 31 in the control group, were enrolled for 6 months. Results: After 6 months of Tai Chi exercise, total cholesterol (M=213 to 185), LDL-cholesterol (M=135 to 128), and their 10 yr cardiovascular disease risk (M=2.62 to 2.27) had improved significantly for the Tai Chi participants compared to the control group. Total scores for quality of life along with the sub-dimensions of health perception and mental functioning were also significantly higher in the Tai Chi participants. Conclusion: Tai Chi exercise favorably affected cardiovascular health and quality of life in post-menopausal women after 6 months. Additional rigorous studies are needed to examine long term effects on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.114-124
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• 2013

Objectives: Postmenopausal hot flush and sweating is troublesome symptom to most of climacteric women. It is well known that Korean medicine is safe and effective on climacteric symptoms. So this study aims to report the clinical effect of Korean medicine on postmenopausal hot flush and sweating. Methods: The patient received herbal medication, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, Gong-jin therapy, and Korean medicine music therapy during hospitalization (about 8 days). Results: Hot flush and sweating was effectively reduced after the treatment. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for hot flush and sweating decreased from 9 to 2. Hot flush score decreased from 20 to 8. Area of hot flush and sweating also markedly decreased. Conclusions: This case shows that Korean medicine is effective on climacteric symptoms.