The LIFE Study: a cross-sectional study protocol for LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing

The dynamic physiological and hormonal changes through the menopause transition predispose women to an increased risk of multiple chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, depression and dementia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, yet it is thought that chronic systemic inflammation and changes to lifestyle behaviors across menopause play important roles. The LIfestyle risk Factors for chronic disease across the stagEs of reproductive ageing (LIFE study) is a cross-sectional study aimed to develop an understanding of how hormonal and lifestyle factor differences across pre, peri and postmenopause influence chronic systemic inflammation visceral adiposity, cognitive function and sleep health. A total of 165 women aged between 40-65 years have been recruited and classified into pre, peri or postmenopausal groups. Body composition measures and blood glucose samples were collected. Sleep and physical activity were objectively measured using activPAL4 and ActiGraph GT9X link accelerometer over 7 days. Participants were also provided with a sleep log diary. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Cognitive function was evaluated using Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination-III and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Participants completed a series of questionnaires including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, RuSATED, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Australian Eating Survey. The LIFE study aims to firstly determine how differences in lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, diet and sleep) across menopause influence chronic systemic inflammation and visceral adiposity. Secondly, to determine the association between chronic systemic inflammation, visceral adiposity, and cognitive function, elucidating the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and menopausal symptoms. Collectively this will provide an understanding and characterization of lifestyle behaviors and links to inflammatory markers, cognition, mental health and sleep health in pre, peri and postmenopausal women that will inform targeted strategies to improve long-term, wellbeing, heart, brain, and metabolic health.