Influence of the different hormonal status changes during their life on fat mass localisation in women: a narrative review

Context Independently of the total body fat mass, upper body fat mass deposition is strongly associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities. The mechanisms underlying fat mass localisation are not fully understood, but evidences indicate sex-specific fat mass distribution. Currently, data on women are scarce and the link between hormonal status changes during their life and fat mass distribution is overlooked. Method For this narrative review, literature data were extracted from the PubMed and CENTRAL databases to examine the relationship between hormonal status and adipose tissue localisation in women. Results Menopause strongly influences fat mass localisation, while the effect of the menstrual cycle phases, oral contraception use and pregnancy has not been unambiguously determined. Conclusion Reliable data are lacking on the relationship between hormonal variations throughout the lifespan and body fat mass localisation in women. Future studies should take into account the hormonal status of women to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.