Hormones and Heart Health: What Women Should Know During Perimenopause and Menopause
South Heart Clinic Highlights the Connection Between Hormonal Changes and Cardiovascular Health
Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman's life, but their effects can extend beyond the symptoms commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause. Changes in estrogen and other hormones can influence several aspects of cardiovascular health, making it important for women to understand how their bodies change throughout midlife.
This was the focus of Dr. Deanna Yamamura, cardiologist at South Heart Clinic, during her presentation, Hormones and Heart Health, at the A Midlife Mindset Symposium. The event brought together women and healthcare professionals to discuss the physical, emotional, and mental changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause.
Understanding the Connection Between Hormones and the Heart
Hormonal fluctuations occur throughout a woman's life, including during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, contraceptive use, perimenopause, and menopause. As women approach menopause, estrogen levels decline, and these changes can influence cardiovascular health.
Estrogen plays several roles in the body, including supporting blood vessel function and influencing cholesterol regulation. As estrogen levels decrease, women may experience changes that affect their cardiovascular risk, including:
Changes in cholesterol: Declining estrogen levels are often associated with increased LDL cholesterol, sometimes referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Blood pressure changes: Hormonal shifts may contribute to increases in blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Changes in weight and metabolism: Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, may become more common during menopause. Increased visceral fat can contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation.
Changes in physical activity: Symptoms associated with hormonal changes may make it more difficult for some women to maintain regular physical activity.
These changes highlight why monitoring cardiovascular health becomes especially important during midlife.
Hormonal Changes and Heart Rhythm
Some women experience heart palpitations, or sensations of a racing, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat, during perimenopause and menopause.
Hormonal fluctuations may influence the body's autonomic nervous system and the electrical pathways that regulate heart rhythm. Hot flashes and night sweats can also trigger temporary increases in heart rate.
Other factors, including poor sleep, stress, anxiety, caffeine, and alcohol, may make these sensations more noticeable.
Although palpitations can occur during hormonal transitions, they should not automatically be attributed to menopause. New, recurring, or concerning symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Chest pain, fainting, or significant shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Heart Health
Understanding the connection between hormones and cardiovascular health is an important first step. While women cannot control every hormonal change, healthy daily habits can support long-term heart health.
Dr. Yamamura emphasized several areas women can focus on:
Stay physically active. Regular exercise supports cardiovascular health, helps maintain strength and endurance, and can contribute to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Prioritize quality sleep. Sleep plays an important role in overall health. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and addressing ongoing sleep disturbances can support physical and emotional well-being.
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports the body's normal functions.
Manage stress. Chronic stress can affect overall health. Activities such as walking, relaxation techniques, and other healthy coping strategies can help support emotional well-being.
Be mindful of environmental exposures. Certain substances, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with the body's hormone systems. They may be found in some plastics, food packaging, cosmetics, fragrances, and other everyday products.
Nutrition is another important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Foods such as nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, legumes, avocados, and fatty fish provide nutrients, including magnesium, that support normal body functions.
A Conversation Worth Having
Perimenopause and menopause involve more than changes in reproductive hormones. They can also bring changes that affect cardiovascular health, making conversations between women and their healthcare providers especially important.
Women should stay informed about their blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other cardiovascular risk factors. They should also discuss new or changing symptoms with their healthcare provider rather than assuming they are simply part of the aging process.
Hormone therapy is another topic women may wish to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional. Whether it is appropriate depends on an individual's health history, symptoms, age, and other risk factors. Treatment decisions should always be personalized.
Supporting Women's Health at Every Stage of Life
South Heart Clinic was proud to participate in the A Midlife Mindset Symposium and contribute to an important conversation about women's health. We thank Valley Regional Medical Center and A Midlife Mindset for bringing together a community focused on helping women better understand and navigate the changes that come with midlife.
At South Heart Clinic, we believe understanding your heart health is important at every stage of life. If you have questions about your cardiovascular health or are experiencing new symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider about the next steps.
Because women's health is heart health.
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