Modifications of activity of autonomic nervous system, and resting energy expenditure in women using hormone-replacement therapy

Menopause is a significant period characterized by physiological change. Hormonal changes are largely related to estrogen depletion and subsequent cessation of ovarian function. This study analyzed vegetative modulation, expressed as heart rate variability (HRV) power spectral analysis, resting energy expenditure, and body composition in women in post-menopause with and without hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). 87 Sedentary women were enrolled, 41 (age: 53-54) women with BMI of 21.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2 were on HRT and 46 (age: 52-63) with BMI of 22.4 ± 1.8 kg/m2 were not. This experiment marks aspects regarding the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and body weight in HRT and menopause.