Menopause and lung health: a narrative review of physiological changes, disease risks and clinical management

Menopause represents a critical transition that affects multiple organ systems, including the lungs. Declining levels of estrogen, progesterone and androgens alter airway function, inflammatory balance and tissue structure, contributing to changes in pulmonary physiology. Although these mechanisms provide a biological basis for potential associations with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, the existing evidence remains inconclusive. Similarly, the effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on pulmonary outcomes are not clearly defined. This narrative review summarizes the physiological effects of sex hormones on lung function, describes menopause-related structural and inflammatory changes, and discusses the implications of MHT and androgen therapy for respiratory health in women.