Menopause and your heart health.

About one in three adult women face some form of heart disease, usually around ten years after menopause.

The link between hormones and heart health is complex. Women often experience heart disease later than men due to the protective effects of estrogen. Initially, hormone replacement therapy was suggested post-menopause, but the Women's Health Initiative study conflicted with this idea. Now, we understand that hormone replacement therapy, especially after a decade of menopause, can increase heart and vascular disease risk, along with cancer risk.

A large Framingham study revealed that high cholesterol, blood pressure, and traditional risk factors could lead to earlier menopause, suggesting that poor heart health might speed up menopause.

The current consensus is:

- Menopause is natural, not a disease.

- Unhealthy habits, not menopause, contribute to heart disease.

- Hormone replacement therapy is controversial, potentially harmful after ten years of menopause.

To prevent heart disease:

- Stay active

- Maintain a healthy weight

- Eat well

- Control cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar

- Avoid smoking

Following these steps ensures women navigate their heart health journey with confidence.