Metabolic syndrome and hormonal correlates of its predominant components among postmenopausal women: An institution-based cross-sectional study

Background Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial condition strongly associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Hormonal alterations during menopause increase women’s susceptibility to metabolic syndrome. Therefore, determination of metabolic syndrome, its components and investigation of the association of sex steroid hormones with predominant components provide context-specific evidence. Objective To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, its predominant components and investigate the correlation of reproductive hormones with its predominant components among postmenopausal women. Design An institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 422 women. Methods The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Serum triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose and reproductive hormones were measured using a Beckman Coulter analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Correlation analysis was made to assess the strength and direction of relationship between reproductive hormones and metabolic syndrome components. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 and results reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 38.4% (95% CI: 33.9–43.1). Low HDL cholesterol was the most prevalent component (91.9%). Physical inactivity, nulliparity and history of hormonal contraceptive use were significantly associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome. Higher Estrogen levels demonstrated a protective effect, whereas FSH and LH were significantly associated with adverse metabolic components including increased waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose and reduced HDL cholesterol. Conclusion Metabolic syndrome was highly prevalent, with low HDL cholesterol as the dominant abnormality. Gonadotropins showed stronger associations with adverse cardiometabolic biomarkers than Estrogen. Lifestyle modification and early screening are essential to reduce cardiometabolic risk among menopausal women.