Metabolic syndrome is now found in many people around the world. Essentially, it is not a separate disease but a combination of disorders: excess fat (especially around the abdomen), high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, and impaired insulin response. In women, the syndrome often progresses more complicatedly due to hormonal features, and after menopause or during pregnancy, the risks increase even further — fat accumulates in the abdominal area, metabolism slows down, accelerating the development of pathologies. All this sharply increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes — experts estimate that the syndrome occurs in about one in four adults.
What is Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of several disorders that together seriously affect metabolism and heart health. The main elements of the syndrome:
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Abdominal obesity — accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, the most noticeable sign.
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Persistently elevated blood pressure.
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Increased blood sugar levels.
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Abnormal lipid profile — high levels of triglycerides and low "good" cholesterol.
The combination of these conditions creates ideal conditions for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and diabetes. In women over 40–50 years old, the decrease in estrogen levels contributes to the redistribution of fat in a "male" pattern — in the abdominal area — which exacerbates the situation. In addition to genetic predisposition, the leading factors are a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, constant stress, and lack of sleep.
Main Signs in Women
Symptoms in the early stages are often unnoticed, but certain changes in well-being and indicators may indicate a problem:
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Waist increase. A circumference of more than 80 cm in women disrupts the functioning of internal organs.
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Hypertension. Blood pressure above 130/85 mm Hg can cause headaches, weakness, and shortness of breath.
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Elevated fasting blood sugar (from 5.6 mmol/L). This is reflected in frequent thirst and dry mouth.
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Dyslipidemia. Triglycerides above 1.7 mmol/L and low "good" cholesterol increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
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Insulin resistance. Cells respond poorly to insulin, causing fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration.
In addition, women may experience specific manifestations, such as irregular cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome, or consequences of gestational diabetes. If you notice several of these signs, you should consult a doctor for examination.
Why It Develops
Metabolic syndrome is the result of a mix of genetic factors and lifestyle. In women, hormonal background plays an important role: estrogen protects before menopause, but this effect decreases with age. The main causes:
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Heredity — cases of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases in relatives increase the risk.
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Excess weight, especially around the abdomen.
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Lack of physical activity.
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Unhealthy diet. Excess sugar, trans fats, and simple carbohydrates provoke inflammation and insulin resistance.
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Stress and lack of sleep. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which disrupts metabolism.
Specific risk factors for women include gestational diabetes during pregnancy, the menopause period, and harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis includes a set of examinations and tests:
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Measurement of waist circumference and blood pressure.
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Blood tests for glucose, lipids, and triglycerides.
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A glucose tolerance test reveals carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
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Additionally, the doctor may prescribe body composition analysis (bioimpedance), liver ultrasound, or ECG.
Metabolic syndrome is confirmed if a person meets at least three of the five key criteria (high sugar, elevated blood pressure, large waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol).
Treatment and Correction
Treatment aims to reduce risk factors and is primarily based on lifestyle changes:
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Dietary correction: switching to a healthier diet — plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and nuts, reducing sugar and saturated fats.
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Physical activity: at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly plus strength training.
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Stress management and improving sleep.
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Medications as prescribed by a doctor if necessary — to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar.
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Monitoring the condition through regular tests and measurements.
Even moderate weight loss (about 5–10%) already noticeably improves metabolic indicators and reduces the risks of serious complications.
Daily Prevention
Preventing metabolic syndrome consists of simple but consistent habits:
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Increase fiber intake: oatmeal, fruits, vegetables.
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Limit sugary drinks, fried, and high-calorie foods.
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Walk regularly and engage in enjoyable sports.
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Monitor weight and body measurements, measuring waist once a week.
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Sleep at least 7–8 hours and implement stress reduction techniques.
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Undergo basic medical check-ups at least once a year, especially after 40.
If there have been cases of diabetes, hypertension, or heart diseases in your family, it is advisable to start preventive measures early — this effectively reduces risks.
