Menopause and heart health: From hot flashes to mood swings, what every woman must know

Causes of heart attack and stroke: Women with premature or medically-induced menopause face twice the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who transition naturally later in life (Image: Pexels)

Menopause is a natural process that comes with various challenges. From sudden sweats to sleepless nights, the symptoms are hard enough. Yet beneath the surface, something more dangerous may be brewing. New findings suggest a sharp rise in heart disease risk as oestrogen fades away, leaving millions of women unknowingly vulnerable.

Menopause and cardiovascular health:

Menopause officially begins when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. What many don’t realise is that this milestone also signals a significant shift in heart health. "The decline in oestrogen impacts lipid levels, causes blood vessels to stiffen, and increases plaque buildup in arteries. This increases the chances of heart attack and stroke, particularly in women with early menopause, before 40, or surgical menopause," Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, tells Moneycontrol

Also read | Gynaecologist explains how early menopause raises women's risk of heart disease and ways to lower risk

In fact, women with premature or medically-induced menopause face twice the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who transition naturally later in life.

Symptoms that signal more than just discomfort:

• Don’t ignore frequent hot flushes or night sweats,  they’re not just uncomfortable, they can signal rising blood pressure. “These symptoms, known as vasomotor symptoms, are often linked to heart risk,” says Dr Dayal.
• During menopause, your metabolism slows down — you burn fewer calories even if you eat the same.
• Less physical activity, weight gain, and changes in blood sugar (like insulin resistance) also become more common.

Also read | Menopause and mood swings: 7 strategies to stay calm, manage anxiety and stress

Why regular heart check-ups really matter:

Your heart may not show symptoms straight away,  but that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Prevention is key.

As you enter your 40s or hit menopause, regular health checks become even more important.
“Women should get their blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol, weight (BMI), and family history checked,” says Dr Dayal.

It’s especially crucial for women who:

• Had menopause before 40
• Had surgery to remove ovaries
• Had complications in pregnancy
• Have autoimmune or rheumatic conditions like lupus or arthritis

Lifestyle changes that protect your heart:

• Small changes can make a big difference, and it’s never too late to start.
• Quit smoking. It’s one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.
• Get moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing).
• Eat a plant-based, low-fat, heart-healthy diet. Think more vegetables, whole grains, and fewer processed foods.

Losing a bit of weight, sleeping well, and keeping stress in check all help your heart stay stronger.

Hormone therapy:

It is helpful but not a heart cure. Hormone therapy can be useful — but it’s not the right option for every woman.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) isn’t meant to prevent heart disease. “It can help manage symptoms like hot flushes and dryness,” says Dr Dayal.

It’s considered safe for healthy women within 10 years of menopause, and only when used in low doses and for a short time.

Safer options include transdermal patches or local creams instead of tablets.

It should not be started if you're over 60 or more than 10 years post-menopause without proper assessment.

FAQs on Menopause and Heart Health

1. What is menopause?

Menopause starts when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. It marks a significant shift in heart health due to a decline in oestrogen, impacting lipid levels and increasing plaque buildup in arteries.

2. How does menopause affect heart health?

The decline in oestrogen during menopause causes blood vessels to stiffen and increases plaque buildup in arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in women with early or surgical menopause.

3. Why are hot flushes and night sweats concerning?

Frequent hot flushes and night sweats are linked to rising blood pressure and heart risk, known as vasomotor symptoms. They signal changes in metabolism, weight gain, and insulin resistance, adding pressure on the heart.

4. What should women do to monitor heart health during menopause?

Regular heart check-ups are crucial, including monitoring blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol, weight, and family history. This is especially important for women with early menopause, ovary removal, pregnancy complications, or autoimmune conditions.

5. What lifestyle changes can protect heart health during menopause?

Quit smoking, exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly, and eat a plant-based, low-fat diet. Managing sleep and stress also strengthens heart health. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) helps manage symptoms but isn’t a heart disease cure.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.