The Impact of Menopause on Heart Health

 


The Impact of Menopause on Heart Health-and How MHN Makes Care Affordable

Menopause is a natural part of life, but its effects on heart health are often overlooked. As women transition through menopause, their risk for cardiovascular disease rises sharply, making it crucial to understand the connection and take proactive steps for heart health.

How Menopause Affects the Heart

Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of menstrual cycles and a significant drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen is more than just a reproductive hormone-it plays a protective role in heart health by:

  • Helping control cholesterol levels

  • Reducing fat buildup in arteries

  • Keeping blood vessels flexible and healthy

When estrogen declines, these benefits fade. This can lead to:

  • Higher cholesterol and blood pressure

  • Increased arterial stiffness (loss of artery flexibility)

  • Greater buildup of fat around the heart

  • Weight gain, especially around the waist

  • Difficulty controlling blood sugar, raising diabetes risk

These changes mean that after menopause, a woman’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure can quickly catch up to that of men of similar age and health profile. Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to even higher risks.

Why Heart Health Declines After Menopause

The loss of estrogen triggers a cascade of changes:

  • Accelerated plaque buildup in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis

  • Increased blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Cardiac remodeling, or changes in heart structure and function, which can contribute to heart failure

Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are not just uncomfortable-they’re also linked to higher blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The Financial Burden of Menopause Care

Despite the clear need for support, many women face financial barriers to accessing menopause-related care. Surveys show:

  • About 1 in 5 women delay or skip menopause treatment due to cost

  • Only 26% have full insurance coverage for menopause prescriptions

  • Most spend less than $50 a month, but even this can be a burden, especially for those managing multiple prescriptions or long-term plans

Untreated menopause symptoms can lead to long-term health issues, including increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, making affordable care essential.

How MHN Makes Menopause and Heart Health Care Affordable

MHN (Menopause Health Network) understands these challenges and is committed to providing high-quality, affordable care for women navigating menopause and its impact on heart health.




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