relationship between postmenopausal olfactory dysfunction and duration of menopause| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the odor threshold and odor identification tests of women of reproductive age and postmenopausal period and to examine the relationship between the duration of menopause and olfactory dysfunction.

Methods: Eighty women of reproductive age and in the postmenopausal period were included in this prospective study. These were divided into four groups of 20 women each; Group 1: Reproductive period, Group 2: Postmenopausal period (0-5 years), Group 3: Postmenopausal period (6-10 years), and Group 4: Postmenopausal period (more than 10 years). All the women enrolled underwent complete ear, nose, and throat examinations, followed by Odor Threshold Test and Odor Identification Test. The results were then compared among the groups.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, Odor Threshold Test and Odor Identification Test (p<0.001, p=0.016 and p<0.001 respectively.) Age adjusted results indicated that there were no statistically significant difference in Odor Threshold Test scores between groups compared to the reference group 1. However women in group 3 were 90% less likely to have higher Odor Identification Test scores compared to women in group 1 [OR (95% CI): 0.10 (0.01-0.73); p=0.025].

Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction is seen in the postmenopausal period. However, this is correlated with age. Olfactory dysfunction in the postmenopausal period appears to be the result of aging together with hormonal changes.