1 in 9 perimenopausal women in the 45-64 age group will develop heart disease. That’s a scary thought and one that may leave you wondering what you need to know about menopause and heart health. I was unprepared for the impact menopause had on my heart. I developed a non-life-threatening heart issue and vowed to never let heart disease be the cause of my premature demise. I ramped up my workouts and reassessed how I was managing stress, eating, and sleeping.  

In this episode, Dr. Margaret Nachtigall is walking us through the importance of heart health and its relation to menopause. We talk about modifying risk factors, as well as keeping an open mind about talking your healthcare provider to see if estrogen is right for you. 

Dr. Nachtigall is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at New York University Medical Center. She is also the Medical Director of Menopause Cheat Sheet, a free newsletter just for you that we publish together to help women navigate life before, during and after menopausal changes.  

Modify Your Risk Factors 

Although cardiovascular disease is a serious problem, there are actions we can take that are within our control. You can choose to eat healthier and get plenty of sleep. Exercise is also important to maintain a healthy heart. Dr. Nachtigall’s favorites are not smoking or drinking too much. One of the most important actions, which is often forgotten, is managing stress. 

“… My point is, estrogen is not right for everyone, but it is right for many individuals.” Dr. Margaret Nachtigall 

Estrogen Isn’t the Right Choice for Everyone 

Dr. Nachtigall points out that while starting estrogen early can have health benefits, it isn’t right for everyone. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about what your symptoms and risk factors are to determine what’s best for you. Timing is critical if you consider starting estrogen. There are significant benefits to starting hormone therapy early on in menopause. 

Dr. Margaret Nachtigall Takeaways: 

"A lot of the symptoms that we attribute to menopause may also contribute to having an increase in heart disease." -Dr. Nachtigall 

Your healthcare provider will assess your risk factors and may do some testing. Risk factors may include abnormal lipid profiles. It’s also important to look at your cholesterol breakdown (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL). Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, stress, depression, inactivity, family history, inflammatory conditions, or chronic illnesses. Remember, estrogen may not be for everyone, but can provide benefits for many individuals.  

Connect with Dr. Nachtigall 

Website: https://www.drnachtigall.com/   

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Menopause Cheat Sheet: http://www.menopausecheatsheet.com/  

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Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life 

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