Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Among Menopausal Women Attending a Gynaecology Clinic in Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Background: Menopause is accompanied by oestrogen withdrawal that adversely affects lipid metabolism, producing dyslipidaemia characterised by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased triglycerides. These changes elevate cardiovascular risk substantially in the post-menopausal period. Nigerian descriptive data from menopausal clinic attendees in Benue State are limited. Objectives: This study aims to measure fasting lipid profiles and compute cardiovascular risk scores using the Framingham Risk Score among menopausal women attending the gynaecology clinic of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. Methods: One hundred menopausal women aged 45 to 65 years and fifty premenopausal controls will be recruited. Venous blood will be drawn after an overnight fast for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein quantification by enzymatic colorimetric assays. Blood pressure and body mass index will be measured. Framingham 10-year risk scores will be computed. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests will compare groups. Expected Outcomes: Menopausal women are expected to demonstrate significantly worse lipid profiles and higher cardiovascular risk scores than premenopausal controls, with years post-menopause and obesity as additional risk amplifiers. Conclusion: Findings will support routine cardiovascular screening within gynaecological care for menopausal women in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: menopause, lipid profile, cardiovascular risk, dyslipidaemia, Benue State.