Menopause and Your Heart: Protecting Cardiometabolic Health

Heart health becomes a central focus during midlife because the natural decline in estrogen shifts the way cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure are regulated. This is one of the reasons cardiovascular disease risk rises significantly after menopause.

Estrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system. It helps keep blood vessels flexible, supports healthy lipid balance, and influences how the body manages insulin. When estrogen levels drop, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides often rise, blood pressure may creep upward, and the delicate balance between fat storage and energy use can shift in ways that strain the heart.

Fortunately, daily habits have a profound impact on long-term heart health. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, building muscle through resistance training, maintaining regular movement, and prioritizing restorative sleep all help keep the heart resilient. Modern lab testing can also provide a more accurate view of cardiovascular risk, looking beyond total cholesterol to markers like ApoB, lipoprotein(a), and fasting insulin.

Supporting heart health in menopause is about creating a lifestyle that lowers inflammation, balances metabolism, and provides steady energy. By making thoughtful changes now, you can protect your cardiovascular system and feel more vibrant every day.