The Metabolic Syndrome During Female Midlife and Beyond

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (METS) increases as women transit the menopause. Diagnostic features include obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, many which are related to insulin resistance, lifestyle and excessive weight. Throughout time, definitions of the syndrome have changed, fruit of the consensus of various scientific organizations, but overall, it has helped improve the knowledge of its biology. The syndrome is accompanied by alterations of cytokines, digestive hormones, and anti-oxidative capacity. Associated comorbidities and risks mainly include insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions such as sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, gynecological pathology, urinary complaints, and osteoporosis.