The effect of combined aerobic-resistance training on plasma estrogen and progesterone and its relationship with lipid profile in Menopausal women

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of combined aerobic resistance training on estrogen and progesterone levels and their relationship with serum lipid profiles in menopausal women. Material & Methods: This study was conducted on 22 menopausal females aged between 49-65 years who volunteered to participate (weight, 64 -102 kg; height, 150-165 cm). They were randomly divided into the exercise group (EG=12) and the control group (CG=10). The EG performed aerobic-resistance exercises for 90 min, 3 d /week for eight weeks. Height and weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (Fat %), aerobic and anaerobic capacity, lipid profiles, Serum estradiol and Progesterone hormone were measured before and after 8 weeks of exercise training. The data analysis was done with SPSS version 24 and a significant level of P≤0.05 was considered. Results: The results showed that compared to the pre-test, in the post-test, EG had significantly reduced weight, WHR, BMI, Fat%, and an increase in Vo2max and estradiol; however, CG showed a decrease in HDL and Vo2max (P<0.05). Also, in the inter-group comparison, this exercise training significantly promoted the EG group's anaerobic and aerobic power (P<0.05). Conclusion: Finally, The results showed that the combined training that consists of endurance and resistance training in eight weeks can improve body composition in postmenopausal females. Similarly, this exercise increased aerobic capacity and estradiol in menopausal women. The results indicated that combined exercise can keep serum lipids in their normal range.