Compared to nonmenopausal women, there was a greater demonstrated risk for new-onset asthma and respiratory symptoms in women transitioning to menopause, as well as women who were in early to late postmenopausal stages, according to study results reported by Healio.

The study cohort included 2,322 women aged 45 to 65 years at follow-up, without asthma at baseline. Menopausal status was defined as nonmenopausal, transitional, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal.

Associations with asthma (defined by the use of asthma medication, having asthma attacks, or both) and respiratory symptoms scores were analyzed by using logistic (asthma) and negative binomial (respiratory symptoms) regressions, adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, education, and study center.

The study found that odds of new-onset asthma were increased in women who were transitional (odds ratio, 2.40), early postmenopausal (odds ratio, 2.11), and late postmenopausal (odds ratio, 3.44) at follow-up compared with nonmenopausal women.

In addition, the risk of respiratory symptoms increased in early postmenopausal and late postmenopausal women.

“Clinicians should be aware that respiratory health might deteriorate in women during reproductive aging,” the researchers concluded.