Menopausa precoce e metalli pesanti

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum lead levels and early menopause, and the possible influence of environmental, occupational and lifestyle risk factors. METHODS: Seventeen women affected by early menopause (age at menopause <40 years, amenorrhea lasting at least 6 months, FSH>25 UI/L, oestradiol levels <20 pg/ml) and 14 women in physiological menopause (age >45 years, amen-norhoea lasting >12 months, FSH>30 UI/L, oestradiol <20 pg/ml). A questionnaire investigating the occupational context, life environment, and habits was administered, blood sample was obtained for serum lead determinations, a computerized bone mineralometry was performed. For statistical analysis χ 2 test or t-student test was used, when appropriate. RESULTS: The study groups were homogeneous as regards the results of the questionnaries related to the risk of exposure to chemical agents and smoking habits. Patients in early menopause showed higher blood lead levels compared to the physiological menopausal women, a greater direct correlation with time from menopause and a significant relationship with the T-score values. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing blood levels of lead seem to be related to the progressive ovarian damage and the reduction in bone mass could explain such data.