Impaired muscle parameters in individuals with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) - a pilot study

Abstract Context Although bone loss is a recognised consequence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the impact on skeletal muscle health is less well-defined. Objective To compare muscle mass and function parameters between women with POI and controls. Design and Setting Cross-sectional study from a tertiary health network and community between 2017–2023. Patients or Other Participants Women aged 20-40 years with POI associated with Turner syndrome (TS; n=11) and spontaneous normal karyotype POI (s-POI; n=7) compared with age- and BMI-matched controls (n=45). Results All women with POI (mean age 28.70 ± 5.58) were using hormone therapy. Appendicular lean mass (ALM)/total fat mass (TFM) and ALM/body mass index (BMI) was lower in the POI group. Height-adjusted muscle mass parameters did not differ between groups. Compared with controls, women with TS and s-POI had lower muscle strength (TS: 19.72 ± 4.89; s-POI 22.73 ± 5.35; controls 28.67 ± 5.65 kg; p<0.001), and muscle quality (TS: 11.09 ± 2.06; s-POI 10.89 ± 2.01; controls 14.10 ± 1.99 kg/kg; p<0.001). Higher C-reactive protein levels, higher depression scores and lower sex-steroid and physical activity levels, were observed in women with POI (p<0.05). Creatinine/cystatin C ratio, insulin-like growth factor-1 and transthyretin did not differ between groups. Conclusion Despite hormone therapy usage, women with POI exhibited compromised muscle parameters compared to age-matched controls. Potential contributory factors were identified. Further research is required to clarify pathophysiology and inform management strategies.