Association between menopausal status and physical function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

< 0.001) women had stronger handgrip strength in meta-analysis of unadjusted results. Associations remained significant when considering studies with results adjusted for covariates. Results were similar when considering different socioeconomic contexts. Premenopausal women also had stronger pinch and knee extension strength, better performance in the single-leg balance tests with eyes closed and open, and better self-reported physical function and functional limitation due to physical problems than postmenopausal women in meta-analysis with unadjusted results. Meta-analyses of adjusted results were conducted for self-reported measures, but differences lost significance. The menopausal transition seems to be a critical period during which physical function tends to decline, underscoring the importance of implementing healthcare strategies for women during this phase.