Menopause and the Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Women

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, is one of the main contributors to morbidity and physical disability (1). In women, menopause may contribute to sarcopenia, which not only affects very old wom-en but can also have impact on middle-aged adults (2). Changes in the gonadal hormones dur-ing the menopause transition appear to be a strong determinant of skeletal muscle mass in women. If the menopausal transition triggers the mechanisms underpinning sarcopenia in women, then menopause may be a critical time to intro-duce strategies to mitigate the changes in muscle mass and function that contribute to physical dis-ability and frailty later in life.