Understanding the Connection Between Early Menopause and Heart Disease Risk

Does early menopause affect heart disease risk?

Yes, early menopause increases the risk of heart disease.

In a 2021 study that included data from 9,374 postmenopausal women, researchers looked at the connection between early menopause, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.

The researchers found that women who experienced early or premature menopause (before age 45) had a higher risk of heart disease, particularly if they also had type 2 diabetes.

For coronary heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart failure, the risk was 1.09 to 1.1 times higher in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. These risks were even higher in those who experienced early menopause and had type 2 diabetes, ranging from 1.18 to 1.21

What causes the increased risk?

The increased risk of heart disease in women who experience early menopause is primarily due to changes in levels of sex hormones, such as estradiol. These hormones support cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels flexible, regulating cholesterol, and managing blood pressure.

As a result of the hormonal changes that occur with menopause, blood vessels can stiffen, blood pressure may rise, and cholesterol balance may shift unfavorably, all of which elevate heart disease risk.

Those who experience menopause earlier are exposed to these risks for a longer period, which potentially increases their lifetime heart disease risk as compared with those who reach menopause around the average age (50 to 52 years).

For each year earlier that menopause occurs, the risk of heart disease increases by 3%.

Abdominal fat buildup and insulin resistance can further affect cardiovascular health during this period.

Can menopause-related symptoms affect heart health?

Menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and depression are linked to an increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Many of these symptoms can lead to sleep disruptions, which may contribute to heart health risks.

Research from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation found that persistent insomnia and short sleep duration during midlife are associated with a higher risk of CVD later in life.

In the study, women who experienced persistent insomnia (23% of the participants) had a higher risk of heart disease. The risk was also elevated in those with short sleep duration (14%), although less significantly. The greatest risk — an increase of 70% to 75% — was observed in women who had both persistent insomnia and short sleep.

Also, 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 highlight the importance of addressing sleep disturbances during menopause to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.

How to manage your heart health when experiencing early menopause

If you’re experiencing early menopause, managing your heart health is crucial to help reduce your CVD risk.

Here are several steps you can take, if they apply to you:

• Monitor your blood pressure: Hormonal changes and aging can raise your blood pressure after menopause. Check your blood pressure regularly and, if needed, use healthy lifestyle habits or medications to manage it in order to lower your heart disease risk.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and omega-3 fats. This can help you manage your cholesterol levels, manage your weight (if needed), and reduce your sodium intake to help regulate your blood pressure.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, decrease body fat, and increase the flexibility of your arteries.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can raise your blood pressure and may contribute to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and smoking. To help with stress management, you may want to try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Manage your weight as needed: Most women (60% to 70%) experience weight gain during menopause, particularly around the abdomen, which increases heart disease risk. Healthy eating and regular activity can help you avoid unwanted weight gain.
• Check your lipid profile: Menopause can cause changes in cholesterol levels, often increasing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Regular tests can help monitor these changes, and a doctor may recommend medication or dietary changes.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake increase heart disease risk. Avoiding smoking and limiting or avoiding alcohol can reduce this risk.
• Prioritize good sleep: Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and hot flashes, can increase stress and raise your heart disease risk. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night, and address sleep issues with relaxation techniques or medical guidance if needed.

Regular visits with a healthcare professional are essential during menopause to monitor potential changes in health markers such as cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.

Takeaway

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and the risk increases significantly after menopause.

Premature or early menopause may speed up this increase in risk as a result of decreased levels of estrogen, which helps promote heart health during the reproductive years. As estrogen levels drop, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat levels often rise, contributing to a greater risk of heart disease.

Regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and a balanced diet, are crucial to managing these risks and maintaining heart health. Medication may also be necessary in some cases.