The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Menopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome has a key role in causing cardiovascular disease and it is a major problem in many countries. According to various studies, the ferritin level is associated with metabolic syndrome and those with higher ferritin levels are at more risk of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, due to the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Iran, particularly among menopausal women, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum ferritin levels and metabolic syndrome.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 menopausal women referred to the health center of 17 Shahrivar and Health center number 8 of Ahvaz based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic information questionnaire including age, menopausal age, date of last menstrual period, the number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, occupation and education of participants were completed and blood pressure was measured twice within 10 minutes after a break to explore the components of metabolic syndrome and their average were considered. Waist circumference in the narrowest part between iliac crest the last rib was measured with a tape to calculate the waist circumference (WC). -HDL- tests triglycerides, cholesterol, serum ferritin and FBS were done after 12 hours of night fasting on serum of patients. Results: In this study the mean age of women was 55.44±6.07. 35.2 percent had metabolic syndrome. The mean serum ferritin levels in women with metabolic syndrome was 34.53 ± 25.45 and in women without metabolic syndrome was 33.23 ± 56.12. Significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and cholesterol levels, FBS and HDL were not observed (p> 0.05). But there were significant relationship between systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood and plasma triglyceride levels and metabolic syndrome (001/0 p <).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there is no significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and metabolic syndrome.