World Menopause Day is celebrated annually on October 18th to raise awareness of menopause and its impact on women's health. This year's theme, "Cardiovascular Health," is a reminder of the importance of taking care of your heart during menopause.
Hormonal changes associated with menopause can have wide-ranging impacts on cardiovascular health, making it a major concern for women as they age.
To raise awareness of this important issue, the International Menopause Society. (IMS) has chosen "Cardiovascular Health" as the theme for World Menopause Day 2023.
Here are a few ways menopause affects cardiovascular health:
- A decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase cardiovascular risk factors, like high blood pressure. Estrogen helps to keep blood pressure in check and also reduces inflammation.
- A reduction in estrogen can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. This can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
- Changes in hormone levels during menopause can contribute to an increase in blood pressure. This is because the hormones that remain after menopause, such as testosterone and cortisol, can tend to raise blood pressure.
- Diabetes Risk: Menopause can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is itself a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This is because menopause can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
According to the IMS, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. While women tend to develop cardiovascular disease later in life than men, the risk increases significantly after menopause.
The IMS is urging women to talk to their doctor about their cardiovascular health during menopause. There are a number of things women can do to reduce their risk, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Not smoking
- Getting regular checkups and screenings
The IMS has also developed a White Paper and engagement toolkit to help raise awareness of cardiovascular health during menopause. Available to download here:
Resources
A leaflet to help women to better understand CVD and how it can be managed and treated during menopause.
A handy guide to the basics of nutrition and menopause by the British Nutrition Foundation
