Menopause Start Date & Heart Health

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Late Menopause Linked to Improved Heart Health,Study Finds

BOULDER,Colo. – A new study is offering insights into the complex relationship between menopause and cardiovascular health, suggesting that women who experience late-onset menopause may have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes in thier postmenopausal years.The research, published in Circulation Research in late January, sheds light on the physiological benefits associated with a later transition into menopause.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, compared the cardiovascular health of premenopausal women with those who had gone through menopause, further dividing the postmenopausal group into those with “normal-onset” and “late-onset” menopause. Researchers assessed participants’ heart and blood vessel health using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, a measure of how well the main blood vessel in the upper arm dilates as blood flow increases. They also examined the health and function of mitochondria—energy-producing organelles—in blood vessel cells, as well as levels of hormones, lipids, and other molecules in the blood.

Researchers found that blood vessel function in women with normal-onset menopause was 51% worse than the premenopausal group. It was only 24% worse, though, for the late-onset menopause group, and this gap persisted for at least five years after menopause. Women in the late-onset group also had better functioning mitochondria, resulting in fewer free radicals and less oxidative stress, along with more favorable lipid levels.

“Our paper identifies that there’s actually a physiological benefit to later-onset menopause and is one of the frist to identify the specific mechanisms driving these benefits,” said Sanna Darvish, a PhD candidate in the department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and first author of the study.

did you know? The average age of menopause in the United States is 52, but about 10% of women experience late-onset menopause, starting the process after age 55.

The Estrogen Connection

Experts emphasize that while the study suggests benefits to later menopause, all women face an increased risk of heart disease after menopause. This is largely attributed to the decline in estrogen levels.

Estrogen has long been recognized as a protector against heart disease. “Once someone experiences a drop in estrogen levels during menopause,they begin to lose that protective effect,” said Dr. Kimberly Skelding, division chief of cardiovascular services for RWJBarnabas health’s Jersey City Medical Center.”As a result, many women going through menopause will see increases in their blood pressure and cholesterol, even if their activity level and diet do not change.”

Dr. Brittany owen, cardiologist at uthealth Houston, echoed this sentiment. “The more time you are still producing estrogen, the more cardiac protection you get,” she said. “The function of the walls of the coronary arteries is [better] prior to menopause. So the longer you stay out of menopause, the more resilient the coronary arteries are against oxidative stress and heart attacks.”

Previous research has indicated that estrogen may play a role in maintaining proper mitochondrial and blood vessel function. It’s also not clear whether hormone therapy might be a treatment for blood vessel dysfunction or oxidative stress associated with menopause, said Dr. Nidhi Mehta, a cardiologist with the Lehigh Valley Health Network and assistant director of the Women’s Heart programme at Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute.

Counterargument: Does Later Menopause Simply Delay Inevitable Risks?

While this study and others highlight the potential benefits of later menopause, some experts caution that it might simply delay the onset of cardiovascular risk rather than eliminating it. The natural aging process inevitably leads to declines in cardiovascular function, irrespective of when menopause occurs. Furthermore, women who experience later menopause may face increased risks of certain hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or endometrial cancer. Thus, the findings should not be interpreted as a recommendation to artificially delay menopause, and individual risk factors and overall health should always be considered.

Protecting Your Heart as You Age

Regardless of when menopause occurs, adopting heart-healthy habits is crucial for all women as they age. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recognize age at menopause as a risk-modifying factor for cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal people, so lifestyle interventions are key.

“It’s significant to stay active,” said owen. “Exercise at least 30 minutes [per] day most days of the week—both cardio and weight training—to maintain good cardiovascular health regardless of your menopause status.”

Pro tip: Incorporate weight training into your exercise routine.Building muscle mass can help improve metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Other crucial steps include:

Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting meat and cheese consumption.
Cholesterol Monitoring: Regularly check cholesterol levels and work with a healthcare provider to manage any concerns.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritize sleep hygiene,including a consistent sleep schedule and limiting screen time before bed.
Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress levels, which can impact heart health.

“If we understand what exactly the protective mechanism of estrogen is in the premenopausal state, we could possibly utilize this to decrease the likelihood of having heart attacks and strokes,” said Skelding. In the meantime, clinicians suggest focusing on the modifiable lifestyle risk factors to promote healthy aging.

FAQ: Menopause and Heart Health

Q: what is considered late-onset menopause?

A: Late-onset menopause is generally defined as the cessation of menstruation occurring after the age of 55. The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 52.

Q: Why does menopause increase the risk of heart disease?

A: The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is a primary factor.Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, helping to maintain healthy blood vessels and cholesterol levels.

Q: can hormone therapy help protect against heart disease after menopause?

A: While hormone therapy can alleviate some menopausal symptoms, its role in preventing heart disease is still being studied and the current data are mixed. The decision to use hormone therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual risk factors and benefits.Q: What are the most critically important lifestyle changes to protect heart health during and after menopause?

A: Key lifestyle changes include adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity (both cardio and strength training), maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.

Q: Should I be concerned if I experience early menopause (before age 40)?

A: Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), can increase the risk of certain health problems, including heart disease and osteoporosis.If you experience early menopause, it’s important to discuss your health risks and management options with your doctor.

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