ABSTRACT

Objective:

To demonstrate a correlation between neuroendocrine hormone changes in menopause and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), excluding risk factors, i.e., depression, and treatment of cases where the disease has been diagnosed.

Methods:

This was a case study (2009-2010) of 194 menopausal patients, excluding surgically induced cases, performed at the Obstetrics and Gynocology Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine Hospital.

Results:

Patients were queried on their demographic data, menopause and OSAS symptoms, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) results. Fourteen patients having 10 points and above in the ESS were hospitalized for one night in Dokuz Eylül University Sleep Center and underwent polysomnography (PSG). In our study, OSAS prevalence for postmenopausal patients was found in 6.21% of the patients. Further, 28.6% of 12 patients having OSAS were found to have mild and 57.2% were found to have moderate–severe OSAS. By PSG, 14 patients were detected to have 398.5 min of average sleep time and 23.9 of Apnea– Hypopnea Index. Three patients were suggested to undergo the palliative care and 9 were suggested to undergo continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The average CPAP was 7.1 mmHg. A correlation was found between body mass index and LH, prolactin, E2, and free testosterone levels and OSAS.

Conclusion:

OSAS risk increases during menopause. Menopause is an independent risk factor for OSAS; therefore, detailed research with PSG is suggested to be performed when required.