Early menarche and respiratory muscle pressures in middle-aged and older women residents of Temuco - Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Early menarche is associated with general health, such as the increased risk of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and lower lung function in adult women. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and early menarche. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the means of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP) considering the age of the menarche of middle-aged and older women residents of Temuco - Chile. Materials and methods: Women aged 41-80 years, residents of Temuco, were included in the sample. They were divided into two groups in relation to their menarche age (< 13 years old; ≥ 13 years old), and they were evaluated in relation to MIP/MEP using a manometer. We conducted the independent samples t-test to compare MIP/MEP means between the menarche groups. Results: This was a cross-sectional study, with 41 women (mean age = 53.7; SD = 9.06). Eighteen women were considered in the group of with early menarche (mean MIP = 90.05 cmH2O, MEP = 119.2 cmH2O, and 23 women were categorized with menarche age ≥ 13 years old (mean MIP = 95.17 cmH2O, MEP = 122.4 cmH20). Conclusion: The early menarche group presented maximal respiratory pressures lower than the group considered with nonearly menarche among middle-aged and older women residents of Temuco - Chile.

Keywords

• Menarche. Early menarche. Pulmonary function. Aging.