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The end of a woman’s childbearing years, usually between ages 45 and 55, can come with a lot of change. Your body weight can shift. You may have trouble sleeping even though you’re tired. Hot flashes or night sweats can be bothersome (to say the least).
These are some of the typical signs of decreasing hormone production that begins menopause: the end of ovulation and menstrual cycles. Production of the heart-protective hormone estrogen can significantly decrease during menopause. Studies show that women become more vulnerable to heart disease as estrogen levels fall.
For example, higher blood pressure and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) are common in menopause. Both are risk factors for heart disease. These issues can be compounded by other cardiovascular risks such as:
Women who once had a high-risk pregnancy should pay extra attention to their heart health, too. Pregnancy is nature’s cardiovascular stress test—how your body reacts to it can be an indicator of future heart disease, especially if you had a pregnancy complication.
Be proactive about your cardiovascular health, especially as menopause approaches. Look for trends in any symptoms you may experience, and don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor. Ignoring symptoms might be harmful, and partnering with your provider is a great way to improve your heart health.
Related: Read “Why Do Men Have First Heart Attacks Earlier in Life Than Women?”
Heart disease risks are higher for women who had a high-risk pregnancy.
Women who had complications during pregnancy have a higher chance of developing heart disease later in life. That’s because the stress on your cardiovascular system during a higher-risk pregnancy can have long-term effects on the heart.
Pregnancy complications that can increase your risk for future heart disease include:
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Preeclampsia
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Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure)
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Gestational diabetes
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No matter what your age, visit a cardiologist to check in on your heart health if you had a complication during pregnancy. This way, you and your doctor can take steps to monitor or treat any cardiovascular concerns.
Replacing estrogen doesn’t reduce cardiovascular risks.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment option that helps control some of the symptoms of menopause. But it’s not right for everyone. It’s important to talk with your doctor or cardiologist about the risks and benefits of HRT, which can include a slight increased risk of heart attack.
While HRT can help relieve hormone-related menopause symptoms like mood swings or hot flashes, it doesn’t treat heart disease. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT to ensure it’s safe for you.
Related: Read “4 Questions to Ask a Doctor About Stopping Hormone Therapy (HRT).”
Take steps to manage your risk factors.
If menopause is making changes in your body, now is a great time to consider some lifestyle updates of your own to promote a healthy heart. These can include:
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Eat a healthy diet of whole foods, like the Mediterranean Diet or low-sodium Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
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Maintain a doctor-approved exercise routine, usually at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
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Monitor your blood pressure at home to be aware of changes
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Take care of your mental health
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Be sure to prioritize regular checkups with your primary care provider, too. Blood tests and annual exams are proactive ways to help keep tabs on your cardiovascular health.
It’s always a good idea to visit your doctor.
If you notice unusual symptoms, don’t be quick to dismiss them as natural signs of aging.
Women often have different cardiovascular symptoms than men. Some atypical warning signs of heart disease in women can include:
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Back pain
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Excessive fatigue
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Fleeting chest pain or discomfort
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Neck pain
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Shoulder discomfort
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Shortness of breath
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Unexplained nausea
Pay close attention to your body during menopause. Don’t ignore symptoms. Instead, take note of any trends or changes you notice, such as sudden breathlessness during exercise, and talk with your doctor.
At MedStar Health, our multidisciplinary teams are your partners in health. We’re here to help you navigate menopause with treatment options that are best for your unique health needs.
