Estrogen Levels May Affect Women’s Sleep Earlier Than Previously Thought
ACOG NEWS RELEASEFor Release: Embargoed until August 31, 2001 12:01 AM EDT
Estrogen Levels May Affect Women’s Sleep Earlier Than Previously Thought
WASHINGTON, DC — The hormonal changes associated with poor sleep during menopause may be affecting women earlier than previously thought, according to a study in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
A study of 218 black women and 218 white women ages 35-49 with regular menstrual cycles found that levels of estradiol — the most potent naturally occurring estrogen produced by the ovaries — were an important factor in poor sleep reported by women, particularly for those in the 45-49 age group. The proportion of sleep problems for women in their late 30s or 40s remained relatively stable over a 2-year period for these premenopausal women. This suggests that the sleep problems associated with ovarian aging may be occurring in some women earlier than previously thought. The average age at menopause in the US is 51 years.
In addition to hormonal factors, behavioral factors — such as high caffeine consumption, high anxiety, and increased depressive symptoms — were also associated with poor sleep. Black women were also more likely to report poor sleep as compared with whites.
Contact: Lori Hollander, BA, Dept. of Ob-Gyn, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, at loriholl@mail.med.upenn.edu.
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Studies published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ACOG. ACOG is the national medical organization representing nearly 40,000 physicians who provide health care for women.
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