Non-hormonal therapy shows menopause promise
Statins have been linked to more severe menopause symptoms and a higher risk of muscle loss in postmenopausal women, a study suggests.
The medicines are among the most widely prescribed in the world, with strong evidence supporting their use to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
However, some recognised side effects may resemble symptoms associated with menopause, raising questions about how the two could interact.
The US Food and Drug Administration has flagged potential adverse effects linked to statin treatment, some of which overlap with menopausal complaints.
Researchers examined data from 1,184 postmenopausal women across nine Latin American countries, assessing menopausal symptoms, sarcopenia risk and cognitive function.
They compared women taking statins with non-users after accounting for factors including age and body weight.
As the study was cross-sectional, meaning it examined information collected at one point in time, it could identify associations but could not prove that statins caused the outcomes.
Women taking statins were 56 per cent more likely to have severe menopausal symptoms than those who were not using the medicines.
The difference remained after researchers accounted for other variables.
Statin users were also 65 per cent more likely to be at risk of sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass and physical function, which tends to accelerate after menopause.
Declining oestrogen levels already make muscle loss a concern at this stage of life. It is linked to a higher risk of falls, fractures and reduced quality of life.
Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 53.1 per cent of statin users, compared with 33.9 per cent of non-users.
Researchers said this was separate from the finding on sarcopenia risk and may point to a wider pattern of physical discomfort among women taking the medicines.
Women taking statins also recorded slightly lower scores in tests of delayed memory recall and visuospatial function.
Visuospatial function is the ability to understand the position of objects and their relationship to one another.
The study found no overall association between statin use and mild cognitive impairment, so the differences in individual tests are early signals rather than firm conclusions.
Researchers said effects associated with statins may overlap with menopausal symptoms and add to the overall symptom burden during midlife.
This means symptoms attributed to menopause and possible statin side effects may look similar and, in some cases, could compound one another.
Further research is needed to separate the possible effects of the medicines from symptoms linked to menopause.
The findings are not a reason for women to stop taking statins.
Their cardiovascular benefits are well established, and stopping treatment without medical guidance can carry serious risks.
The study provides more information about what statin treatment may mean specifically for postmenopausal women, who have historically been under-represented in cardiovascular research.
Women who notice more severe menopausal symptoms or changes in muscle strength or physical function while taking statins should discuss them with a doctor.
A healthcare professional may consider whether the symptoms could be related to the medication and whether screening for muscle loss is appropriate.
They may also review whether the current statin remains the most suitable option, as different statins can have different side-effect profiles.
Resistance training and consuming enough protein are well-supported ways to help preserve muscle mass during midlife.
Statins can be life-saving, but the findings suggest their possible side effects should receive greater attention in postmenopausal women.
The study adds to evidence supporting more individualised care for women during midlife.
