For World Menopause Day this year, the International Menopause Society launched a campaign to raise awareness on the effects of hormones on cardiovascular health in women. Specifically, they highlighted the potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with various reproductive milestones in a woman’s life. These milestones include menstrual cyclicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, breast cancer treatments, and menopause itself. This is such an important topic in the sphere of women’s health, and something that I review with my patients regularly. Let’s dive into the details shall we!

Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Reproductive Milestones:

If you have experienced one or more of the following reproductive milestones, it is important to check-in with your health care provider to talk about general cardiovascular screening, treatment and prevention strategies.

Menstrual Cyclicity: Abnormal menstrual patterns, such as premature, late, or irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Women who have experienced conditions such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure or preterm delivery may be at higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Breast Cancer Treatments: Certain breast cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation and estrogen-lowering medications, can also impact a woman's cardiovascular health.

Menopause: The hormonal changes that occur during menopause, specifically the decline in estrogen levels, have a direct impact on the cardiovascular system. Estrogen has a protective effect on blood vessels and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The loss of this protective effect during menopause can contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. It is important to note that if menopause occurs at an early age (ie. below the age of 45) this can speed up the process of the possible development of cardiovascular disease.

What is Cardiovascular Disease Screening?

General cardiovascular screening includes taking your blood pressure, calculating your BMI, measuring your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and calculating your cardiovascular disease risk based on the Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score. Your health care provider will also ask you questions about your diet and lifestyle, family medical history, and reproductive milestone history. Based on their assessment they will provide you with recommendations on how you can improve your cardiovascular health.

Positive Lifestyle Choices to Maintain Good Cardiovascular Health

Along with regular screening, there are positive steps that you can take to prevent coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. And, while it’s true that there are a few exceptions, in most cases if you can identify the risk factors early on and take proactive steps, you can avoid developing cardiovascular disease. It’s all about making positive lifestyle choices to maintain good cardiovascular health.

The top five most important lifestyle factors are:

1)    Not smoking

2)    Doing regular physical activity

3)    Healthy eating

4)    Maintaining a healthy weight

5)    Getting enough sleep

If you incorporate these into your day-to-day life, the potential benefits are enormous.

If you would like to explore cardiovascular disease screening, and strategies to improve your cardiovascular health, please don't hesitate to book in with one of our knowledgeable naturopathic physicians. We are here to help!

In health and happiness,

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND | Naturopath Victoria BC

Reference:

Reproductive milestones across the lifespan and cardiovascular disease risk in women