Early menopause raises the risk of heart disease due to the rapid decline in estrogen levels.
Menopause occurring before the age of 45 has been shown to notably elevate the risk of heart disease. Estrogen plays a key role in protecting heart health, and as its levels drop during menopause, it can lead to increases in cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat — all of which are risk factors for heart disease. For individuals who experience early or premature menopause (before age 40), these changes unfold over a longer duration, further amplifying the risk.
Does Early Menopause Affect Heart Disease Risk?
Yes, early menopause does increase the risk of heart disease.
A 2021 study involving data from 9,374 postmenopausal women examined the link between early menopause, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.
The study found that women who experienced early or premature menopause (before age 45) had a higher risk of heart disease, especially if they also had type 2 diabetes.
For conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, the risk was 1.09 to 1.1 times greater in women who underwent menopause early, compared to those who became menopausal later. This risk increased further for those with both early menopause and type 2 diabetes, with an elevated risk ranging from 1.18 to 1.21.
What Contributes to the Increased Risk?
The heightened risk of heart disease in women who experience early menopause is mainly due to changes in sex hormone levels, such as estradiol. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels flexible, regulating cholesterol, and managing blood pressure.
As hormone levels decline during menopause, blood vessels can become stiffer, blood pressure may increase, and cholesterol levels may become imbalanced—factors that all contribute to a higher risk of heart disease.
Women who undergo menopause earlier are exposed to these changes for a longer period, which may increase their lifetime risk of heart disease compared to those who experience menopause around the typical age (50 to 52 years).
For each year that menopause occurs earlier, the risk of heart disease increases by 3%. Additionally, the accumulation of abdominal fat and insulin resistance can further impact cardiovascular health during this time.
Can Menopause-Related Symptoms Impact Heart Health?
Yes, menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and depression are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. Many of these symptoms can disrupt sleep, which in turn may contribute to heart health risks.
Research from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation found that chronic insomnia and short sleep duration during midlife are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life.
In the study, women who experienced persistent insomnia (23% of participants) had an elevated risk of heart disease. Women with short sleep duration (14%) also faced a higher risk, though to a lesser extent. The greatest risk—an increase of 70% to 75%—was seen in women who had both persistent insomnia and short sleep.
Additionally, a 2013 study of postmenopausal women found that high insomnia scores were associated with a 38% higher risk of coronary heart disease over a 10-year period.
These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep disturbances during menopause to help reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.
How to Manage Your Heart Health During Early Menopause
If you’re experiencing early menopause, it’s essential to take steps to manage your heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here are several strategies that can help:
– Monitor your blood pressure: Hormonal changes and aging can lead to increased blood pressure after menopause. Check your blood pressure regularly and, if needed, use lifestyle changes or medication to manage it and reduce your heart disease risk.
– Follow a heart-healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. This can help manage cholesterol levels, support healthy weight maintenance, and regulate blood pressure by reducing sodium intake.
– Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, reduce body fat, and increase artery flexibility.
– Manage stress: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and lead to unhealthy behaviors like overeating or smoking. To manage stress, try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
– Manage your weight: Many women experience weight gain during menopause, especially around the abdomen, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Healthy eating and consistent exercise can help prevent unwanted weight gain.
– Check your lipid profile: Menopause often causes changes in cholesterol levels, particularly an increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Regular cholesterol checks can help monitor these changes, and your doctor may recommend medication or dietary adjustments.
– Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of heart disease. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to help lower your heart disease risk.
– Prioritize sleep: Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and hot flashes, can contribute to increased stress and a higher risk of heart disease. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night, and address sleep issues with relaxation techniques or medical advice if needed.
Regular visits to a healthcare professional are essential during menopause to track changes in health markers, such as cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.
Takeaway
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, with risk significantly rising after menopause.
Premature or early menopause can accelerate this increase in risk due to a drop in estrogen levels, which typically help protect heart health during the reproductive years. As estrogen declines, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat levels may rise, further elevating the risk of heart disease.
Regular monitoring and adopting healthy lifestyle habits—such as exercise and a balanced diet—are essential for managing these risks and maintaining heart health. In some cases, medication may also be necessary.