A recent study has shown that women who experience menopause at a later age tend to have reduced oxidative stress and better heart health. Image: RgStudio/Getty Images
As estrogen levels decline after menopause, the risk of cardiovascular issues increases. However, women who undergo menopause later have a lower likelihood of experiencing heart attacks and strokes. The study also found a correlation between later-onset menopause and decreased oxidative stress, resulting in improved endothelial function.
Experts emphasize the importance of managing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar as individuals age. Furthermore, strategies such as stress reduction, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity can contribute to maintaining heart health.
The onset age of menopause may have a significant impact on heart health. According to the study published in Circulation Research on January 30, women who experienced menopause at age 55 or older demonstrated healthier cardiovascular systems compared to those who reached menopause earlier. The research suggests that lower oxidative stress levels, influenced by reduced triglyceride-derived lipid metabolites, play a key role in enhancing endothelial function, ultimately reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Understanding these factors could enable healthcare providers to offer personalized care to female patients throughout their lives, lowering their risk of heart disease. Given that heart disease affects over 60 million women in the United States and is a leading cause of death, this research holds significant value.
The study highlights that women typically have a lower risk of early heart attacks and strokes compared to men, but this risk increases post-menopause to match that of men. Notably, women who experience menopause at age 55 or older have a 20% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who enter menopause earlier.
To investigate further, researchers analyzed the arterial function of 92 women by measuring brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, assessed mitochondrial health, and conducted hormone tests to confirm menopause status. The analysis aimed to identify factors contributing to variations in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species bioactivity and endothelial function.
While postmenopausal women generally exhibited poorer arterial function, those with later-onset menopause displayed only a 24% decline in vascular function compared to premenopausal women, in contrast to a 51% decline in those with earlier-onset menopause. Interestingly, these differences persisted for at least five years post-menopause, suggesting that delayed menopause may shield women from vascular dysfunction associated with oxidative stress.
Dr. Noor Dastgir, a cardiologist at Oladoc, explained that estrogen plays a crucial role in safeguarding the cardiovascular system. “It hel
The statement, “Menopause maintains blood vessel flexibility and regulates cholesterol levels,” was emphasized by Dastgir in an interview with Healthline. Dastgir highlighted the potential benefits of a later menopause for females. Heather A. Trivedi, an assistant professor of cardiology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, expanded on this idea by pointing out that cardiovascular disease becomes a leading cause of death as individuals age. Trivedi mentioned that traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Trivedi went on to explain that menopause can exacerbate this risk, especially for women experiencing it before the age of 40. She noted that common menopausal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, weight gain, and decreased energy, can lead to reduced physical activity, further increasing these risk factors. Trivedi also reinforced Dastgir’s observation regarding hormonal changes, stating that declining estrogen levels may directly raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to artery blockages.
Discussing ways to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes educator at EntirelyNourished.com, highlighted the significance of the study’s findings in understanding how the timing of menopause impacts heart health. She suggested that these findings could prompt further research and discussions with healthcare providers about the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women undergoing early menopause.
Routhenstein also outlined proactive measures women can take to enhance their cardiovascular health, including monitoring and optimizing cardiometabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. She recommended stress management, quality sleep, regular aerobic and resistance exercise, and a balanced diet that avoids strict calorie restriction to prioritize heart health and endothelial function.
She emphasized, “A nutrient-adequate diet focuses on improving endothelial health, addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance that may arise during the menopausal transition.” In summary, a recent study indicates that later-onset menopause is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease compared to early menopause, as it is linked to lower oxidative stress and healthier blood vessels. Experts suggest that hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial for women experiencing early menopause. Managing risk factors for heart disease, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, alongside lifestyle factors like stress management, quality sleep, regular exercise, and a nutrient-rich diet, can aid in protecting heart and blood vessel health.
