Effects of Heart Health During the Menopausal Transition

Although symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes are well known to most women, many women are unaware of other changes that occur the body during the menopause transition including changes in cholesterol. Women should be aware that an unfavourable increase in cholesterol is a common finding during the menopause transition which can then increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with time. If you are a female in your late 40s to early 50s noticing hormonal changes, do ensure to speak to your doctor regarding blood testing that goes beyond hormonal testing such as cholesterol testing. Speak to your doctor if your results are out of range and you are concerned about what impact that may have on your heart health overtime. There are more advanced testing options such as a coronary calcium scan and apolipoprotein testing that can help better understand how to manage any changes in cardiovascular health that may occur during transitionary period. 

Dr. Erin Rurak, ND