Anal sphincter competence in healthy women: clinical implications of age and other factors
Article Abstract:
Anal incontinence occurs when the muscles that form the opening of the anus become weak and lose their ability to fully contract. It is diagnosed by measuring the force and pressure generated by the anal sphincter muscles (anal pressure profilometry). Men tend to have higher anal pressures than women, and anal incontinence is more common in women than in men. Several studies have reported that anal incontinence occurs in women who develop tears in the anal muscle during childbirth, while other studies have reported that age may influence the development of anal incontinence. To identify factors that may be related to the development of anal incontinence, 49 healthy women were studied. The ages of the women ranged from 20 to 79 years, with an average age of 51 years. The function of the anal muscles was determined by measuring anal pressure at rest and when the subject attempted to contract the anal muscles by squeezing (squeeze pressure). The results of this study show that anal pressure tends to decrease as a woman gets older. Anal pressures decreased more rapidly following menopause. There was no relationship between anal pressure and the number of children the subjects had had. The decrease in anal pressures following menopause suggest that estrogen may play a role in maintaining anal muscle strength. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0029-7844
Year: 1991
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Estrogen regulation of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase - possible mechanism of body fat distribution
Article Abstract:
The effect of estrogen on the enzyme lipoprotein lipase may explain why some postmenopausal women develop upper body obesity. Lipoprotein lipase breaks down dietary fat into fatty acids, which are absorbed by fat cells. Women have more fat cells on their hips and thighs compared to men. Thirteen premenopausal women wore two transdermal patches on both sides of their gluteal region. One contained estrogen and the other a placebo. Analysis of fat samples revealed that estrogen inhibited lipoprotein lipase. This could shift fat from the hips and thighs to the upper body.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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