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Menopause & Heart Disease

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Menopause & Heart Disease

As estrogen declines during menopause, several key changes occur:

  • Arteries become stiffer, leading to increased blood pressure.
  • Cholesterol levels shift—HDL (good cholesterol) declines, while LDL (bad cholesterol) increases.
  • Visceral fat storage increases, contributing to insulin resistance.
  • Overall cardiovascular risk rises.

Click to Jump Ahead:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Heart Health Tool?

The "timing hypothesis" suggests that starting HRT early in menopause may have cardiovascular benefits. Some research indicates that women who begin HRT within 10 years of menopause experience reduced mortality and heart disease risk.

Additionally, transdermal bioidentical estrogen (patch or gel) appears to have fewer risks than oral estrogen, with potential benefits for arterial health and metabolism. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.

Statins vs. Estrogen: Which is Better for Heart Disease Prevention?

  • Statins reduce heart disease risk by 30%.
  • Estrogen therapy shows similar 30% risk reduction in some studies.
  • A personalized, precision-based approach is key—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Rather than choosing one treatment over another, a comprehensive strategy—including lifestyle, medication, and possibly hormone therapy—offers the best protection.

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Lifestyle is the Ultimate Medicine

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum puts it simply: “The most potent medication is exercise.”

No matter what medications you take, lifestyle choices will always be the foundation of heart health. Medication is a ‘supplement’ for how you live your life.

Deciding how much you will invest in yourself including how physically active you are, what foods you eat, your sleep, what risky behaviors you indulge in like alcohol or smoking, and how you protect your mental health impact your overall health, and the health of your heart.

Your heart holds your life story.

How to Take Control of Your Heart Health

1️⃣ Educate yourself about women’s unique heart disease risks.
2️⃣ Empower yourself with heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
3️⃣ Advocate for better care—demand testing and treatment that takes women’s health into account.

How Much Do You Love Yourself? ❤️

Your heart is your responsibility. Are you willing to care for it? Are you willing to protect it?

80% of heart disease is preventable—how much do you love yourself enough to make the changes that will keep you living a long, vibrant life?

Empower Your Menopause Journey!

 

 

Check out these additional heart health resources!

  1. Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum's Heart Book: Every Woman's Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life
  2. Watch on YouTube: Heart Health & Menopause

 
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