The Overlooked Connection to Hormonal Changes
Did you know that hormones and heart health go hand in hand? Many women might not be—which is why the Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecological Association wants to debrief you on this important connection since it can impact your risk factors for heart disease.
Your Heart and Your Hormones
You can think of your hormones as chemical messengers for your body. They directly impact all factors of your health, from mood to metabolism. But they also have an effect on your cardiovascular system.
- Estrogen’s Protective Role: Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible, promotes good cholesterol (HDL), and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL). This is partially why premenopausal women usually have a lower risk of heart disease than men.
- Hormonal Changes & Increased Risk: As estrogen levels naturally decline during menopause, the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arterial plaque buildup rises.
- Other Hormonal Factors: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders can also impact your heart health by influencing weight, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Heart Risks Throughout Life
Your body and age both contribute to how you need to approach your heart health—and having a good understanding of this timeline can help you be proactive with your planning.
Reproductive Years (20s-40s)
- Pregnancy-related complications, like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, can increase long-term cardiovascular risk.
- Birth control pills containing estrogen may cause slight increases in blood pressure, especially in smokers or those with higher BMI.
- Keeping a heart-healthy routine during this period helps set you up for success in the future.
Perimenopause & Menopause (40s-60s)
- Estrogen levels are lower, leading to higher blood pressure and cholesterol changes.
- Many women experience weight gain at this stage, particularly around the abdomen, which increases heart disease risk.
- Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats have been linked to an increased likelihood of high blood pressure.
Postmenopause (60s & Beyond)
- The risk of stroke and heart attack rises significantly due to arterial stiffness and higher levels of inflammation.
- Osteoporosis and frailty can make physical activity more challenging, affecting overall cardiovascular health.
- Managing blood sugar levels becomes important as diabetes risk increases with age.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women
We want to mention some of the primary symptoms of women’s heart disease because they tend to be harder to distinguish, especially when compared to the sharp chest pains usually associated with men’s heart attacks.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unexplained fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back
- Pressure or discomfort in the chest rather than sharp pain
In many cases, these symptoms are mistaken for other miscellaneous conditions—so it’s very important to contact your primary care provider or be referred to a cardiologist if you’re experiencing these types of effects in tandem.
Protecting Your Heart
The great news is that there are so many steps you can take to keep your heart healthy and strong, regardless of your age! Your OBGYN can also play a role in helping you choose specific practices based on your medical history and lifestyle.
1. Stay Active
- Do your best to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Combine cardio (like walking, swimming, or cycling) with strength training to support metabolism and bone health.
- If you’re postmenopausal, remember that weight-bearing exercises can actually help reduce osteoporosis risk while benefiting your heart.
2. Prioritize Nutrition
- Focus on eating mostly heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, whole grains, and nuts.
- Reduce your consumption of processed foods and added sugars, which contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol.
- Limit salt intake to keep blood pressure in check.
3. Manage Stress & Sleep
- Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which increases your heart disease risk.
- Try practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to allow your heart to recover overnight. You can work with your doctor to try medications or supplements to aid your sleep.
4. Regular Health Screenings
- Stay up to date with annual check-ups and hormone level assessments. Missing too many of these appointments can cause us to miss important developments in your health.
- Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels regularly, as recommended by your provider.
- If you have a family history of heart disease, discuss additional screening options with your doctor.
5. Consider Hormone Therapy (When Appropriate)
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help relieve menopause symptoms and support heart health for some women. Discuss the risks and benefits with your provider to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
MOGA: Helping Women Holistically
At MOGA, our team understands that women’s health expands to so many parts of the body—which means certain aspects can be overlooked. We aim to give you a complete picture of the state of your health and work towards improving it. You can find us in East Memphis, Wolfchase, or DeSoto.