For two decades, anthropologists have been aware that the experience and symptoms of menopause (i.e., hot flashes, night sweats) may not be universal. Several researchers have hypothesized that dietary factors such as phytoestrogens (plant estrogenic chemicals) in soy, which is consumed in great quantities by the Japanese, may play a role in their lower rate of menopausal symptoms. This dissertation project will test a biocultural, reproductive ecology model of whether and how soy consumption affects the menopausal transition (konenki) in Japan. Specifically, we hypothesize that: (1) Women with higher phytoestrogen exposure/intake will have less frequent or severe midlife symptoms; and (2) Variance in gonadotropins (FSH and LH) will be negatively correlated with phytoestrogen exposure. Two populations of Japanese women, aged 45-55, from the Tohoku and Kinki regions of Japan (which have the highest and lowest soy consumption respectively, providing a natural experiment in phytoestrogen exposure) will be sampled longitudinally for levels of E2, FSH, LH, SHBG, and the phoytoestrogens genistein and diadzein. This study will characterize the menopausal transition in Japan from multiple perspectives: (1) endocrinological/physiological; (2) ecological (diet), and (3) experimental. By combining new assays for measurement of phytoestrogens with our well-validated finger prick blood spot methods, this project will provide a biocultural characterization of menopause in Japan. These data are sorely needed to model cross-cultural variation at the end of the reproductive lifespan, and the influence of the environment on endocrinology and experience over the menopausal transition.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31AT001041-01
Application #
6445953
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-H (12))
Program Officer
Pearson, Nancy
Project Start
2002-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$22,624
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Social Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
Melby, Melissa K (2016) Lessons on aging: Hopes and concerns of Japanese women at midlife. J Women Aging 28:127-40
Melby, Melissa K (2007) Chilliness: a vasomotor symptom in Japan. Menopause 14:752-9
Melby, M K (2006) Climacteric symptoms among Japanese women and men: comparison of four symptom checklists. Climacteric 9:298-304
Melby, Melissa K; Lock, Margaret; Kaufert, Patricia (2005) Culture and symptom reporting at menopause. Hum Reprod Update 11:495-512
Melby, Melissa K (2005) Factor analysis of climacteric symptoms in Japan. Maturitas 52:205-22
Melby, Melissa K; Watanabe, Shaw; Whitten, Patricia L et al. (2005) Sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method using coulometric electrode array detection for measurement of phytoestrogens in dried blood spots. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 826:81-90
Melby, Melissa K (2005) Vasomotor symptom prevalence and language of menopause in Japan. Menopause 12:250-7
Melby, Melissa K; Murashima, Megumi; Watanabe, Shaw (2004) Phytochemical intake and relationship to past health history in Japanese women. Biofactors 22:265-9