The Menopause and Heart Health

The Menopause and Heart Health 

 The Menopause is a stage in every woman’s life when the ovaries stop making eggs and start producing less oestrogen. Oestrogen protects a number of different parts of the body, including heart/ blood vessels, bones, brain, skin and vagina so they can all be affected by low levels. Oestrogen protects the arteries of a woman’s heart in a number of ways, including by reducing the build up of fatty plaque. After the menopause this means you are at increased risk of heart and circulatory disease. Low Oestrogen can increase cholesterol levels, which can further increase your risk of heart/ circulatory disease. Unfortunately heart disease is the biggest cause of death in women. What can you do to help?  

*Stay active – For types of exercise to try check out my previous post  

*Eat healthily – Fill your plate with colourful foods (plenty of plants), plenty of fibre, protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, reduce processed foods and help your gut health too.  

*Reduce or manage your stress- Try meditation, mindfulness, breath work or yoga to help. Maybe try acupuncture ( i’m a big fan!)Take stuff off your plate that you don’t need!  

*HRT ( hormone replacement therapy) it might or might not be right for you, but being informed is really important for you to make the right choice for you. For excellent up to date information check out https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/ .Women who take HRT have a lower risk of heart disease compared to women who don’t take HRT.  Go and see a menopause specialist, ask your GP surgery if they have one if not there are lots of private Menopause specialist GPs who can offer sessions online if you don’t live locally to anyone.