Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: A comparative cross‑sectional study

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a physiological transition associated with hormonal changes and age‑related systemic alterations. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative balance may be disrupted during this period, although the extent and pattern of oxidative stress (OS) in menopausal women remain incompletely defined.

Aim: To compare OS markers and antioxidant parameters between premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods: This cross‑sectional study included 100 women: 50 premenopausal (aged 18–45 years) and 50 postmenopausal (aged 45–65 years). Serum levels of arylesterase (ARE), paraoxonase (PON), thiols, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The OS index was calculated from total oxidant and antioxidant status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Total oxidant status and OS index were significantly higher in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women. In contrast, antioxidant parameters—including PON, ARE, TAS, and thiol levels—were significantly lower in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Menopause is associated with increased OS and reduced antioxidant capacity. This altered redox balance may contribute to the heightened risk of age‑related conditions observed in postmenopausal women and highlights the potential value of monitoring OS markers during the menopausal transition.