Hysterectomy accelerates sarcopenia risk in US women and mouse models
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By
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Shuquan Wan
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Cuiping Gong
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July 14, 2026
Clinical Report: Hysterectomy Linked to Increased Risk of Sarcopenia in Women
Overview
This study investigates the association between hysterectomy and the risk of sarcopenia in women, utilizing data from the NHANES and a mouse model.
Background
Sarcopenia is a significant health concern among postmenopausal women, contributing to adverse outcomes such as falls and disability. Hysterectomy, a common surgical procedure, has been associated with various long-term health issues, yet its impact on musculoskeletal health, specifically sarcopenia, has not been thoroughly explored.
Data Highlights
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| NHANES (2001-2018) | Hysterectomy associated with increased sarcopenia risk (OR = 1.35; p = 0.049) |
| NHANES (2001-2018) | Stronger association in women with hysterectomy and oophorectomy (OR = 2.06; p < 0.001) |
| SAMP8 Mouse Model | Reduced grip strength and endurance post-hysterectomy |
| SAMP8 Mouse Model | Decreased muscle fiber size post-hysterectomy |
Key Findings
- Hysterectomy is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia (OR = 1.35).
- The risk is higher in women who also undergo oophorectomy (OR = 2.06).
- SAMP8 mice exhibited reduced grip strength and endurance following hysterectomy.
- Molecular analyses indicated activation of the FOXO1–MuRF-1/Atrogin-1 pathway post-hysterectomy.
- Changes consistent with ferroptosis-related signaling were observed in the mouse model.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should consider the potential risk of sarcopenia in women undergoing hysterectomy, especially when combined with oophorectomy. Monitoring muscle health and function in this population may be warranted.
Conclusion
Hysterectomy appears to be associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in women, supported by findings from an experimental mouse model.
Related Resources & Content
- Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Adipose–muscle crosstalk during the menopausal transition: mechanistic links to sarcopenic obesity in midlife women
- A Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Strategy for Addressing Sarcopenia in Cytoreductive Surgery Combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
- Journal of Gastroenterology, 2020 -- The Role of Sarcopenia Evaluation in Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- The Conceptual Definition of Sarcopenia: Delphi Consensus from the Global Leadership Initiative in Sarcopenia (GLIS) - PMC
- Role and Regulation of Intramuscular Sex Hormones in Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review | The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
- Response from the Author: Impact of Visceral Fat, Muscle Loss, and Combined Sarcopenic Obesity on Surgical Results Following Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases
- The Conceptual Definition of Sarcopenia: Delphi Consensus from the Global Leadership Initiative in Sarcopenia (GLIS) - PMC
- Role and Regulation of Intramuscular Sex Hormones in Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review | The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | Oxford Academic
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