International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · May 25, 2026
Prevalence of Sarcopenia among Perimenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
By Kothari KK, A. GHPG, Aseer AL et al.
Background: Sarcopenia is characterised by age related loss of muscle mass, strength, physical performance, can impair functional performance and increase risk of fall. Among women, menopausal transition is a particularly susceptible window due to decline in estrogen levels, which is responsible for maintaining musculoskeletal balance.This leads to decline in muscle strength, impairing protein synthesis and thereby accelerating muscle loss.However, data focusing on perimenopausal women with sarcopenia remains limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia among perimenopausal aged between 40 and 55 years and to determine the relationship between sarcopenia and body mass index among perimenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 perimenopausal women with a mean age of 47.6 ± 3.73 years. According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria, assessment included preliminary screening for sarcopenia using SARC-F questionnaire followed by muscle strength (handgrip) using handheld dynamometer and push-pull dynamometer (quadriceps strength), muscle mass using body composition analyser (BCA), and physical performance using TUG test, Chair sit-to-stand and 6-meter gait speed test. Statistical analysis included independent t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: Among 120 women, overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 44.2 %. The mean muscle mass, mean hand grip strength were 5.96±1.4kg/m2 and 11.02±2.73 kg respectively. The physical performance assessed using TUG test and the gait speed were 10.98± 1.95 seconds and 0.58± 0.12 m/s respectively. There was positive association between BMI and muscle mass (r = 0.354, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study reveals a notable prevalence of sarcopenia highlighting that this transitional phase is a critical period for early muscle decline. A decreased muscle mass, strength, and physical performance observed among the participants underscore the growing risk of functional impairment. The positive association between BMI and muscle mass suggests that body composition plays a significant role in sarcopenia status. These findings emphasize the need for early screening, preventive strategies, and targeted physiotherapy interventions during the perimenopausal period to mitigate the progression of sarcopenia and improve overall functions in women.