Evaluation of Some Hematological Parameters and Hormones in Menopausal Women in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria

Menopause is a bio psychosocial phenomenon encompassing the transition in a woman life from being fertile to infertile. This study was done to evaluate the levels of Total White Blood Cell (TWBC) count, platelets, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estradiol in menopausal women in Owerri. A total of sixty (60) women were studied. Thirty (30) of them were menopausal women aged 45-75 years, and thirty (30) were non - menopausal women aged 20-35 years. The procedure was carried out at the specialist hospital Umuguma, Owerri. The following tests were done: FSH, Estradiol, platelet, and total white blood cell counts. Seven (7) milliliters of venous blood sample was collected at the antecubital vein aseptically. 2ml was dispensed into ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid containers, while 5ml was dispensed into plain containers. The EDTA and plain containers was properly labeled with the subjects’ names, sample numbers and date of collection. The blood dispensed into the EDTA container was stored in a refrigerator at 40, while the serum was stored in a freezer at - 200 prior to use. TWBC and platelet were determined manually using Neubauer counting chamber, while the FSH and estradiol was analyzed using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The results of the tests were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 21. The mean values of TWBC (13.06 ± 13.02) cells/ul and platelets (126.90 ±78.91) x109/l were significantly higher in menopausal women when compared to controls. (8.34±4.30) cell/ul, (66.00 ±20.71) x109/l (p= 0.000). The mean value of estradiol (19.96±19.43) pg/ml was significantly lower in menopausal women when compared to controls (98.42±42.00) pg/ml (p= 0.000), while that of FSH was significantly higher in menopausal women compared to the controls (8.00±4.462328) iu/l (p =0.000). There were non- significant differences in the mean values of platelets, TWBC, FSH and estradiol in menopausal women when compared based on age. I recommend routine check of TWBC, platelets, FSH and estradiol on every woman who has reached the age of 45 year in order to manage menopausal symptoms.