Cholesterol and Menopause: What’s the Relationship?

Menopause causes hormonal and metabolic changes that can eventually alter the lipid profile.

The lipid profile is a panel of blood tests that measure the type of fat in the blood and helps determine the risk factors for developing heart disease.Lipid panel It contains Next marker:

• Total cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol”
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol”
• Triglyceride

High levels of lipids, including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, Increase risk Of the onset of heart disease.

So where does menopause apply to this? After all, estrogen, a sex hormone that decreases at this stage of life, has many cardioprotective mechanisms.

Estrogen acts on the liver Regulates lipid metabolism Maintains a healthy lipid profile.

Therefore, as menopause begins and estrogen levels drop, your body’s ability to maintain its healthy lipid profile can be affected. It can lead to an increase in cholesterol.

A 66 study reviews Postmenopausal people were found to have higher LDL and total cholesterol, and higher triglyceride levels compared to premenopausal people. These higher levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Another observational study Similar results were found, except that postmenopausal people also have low HDL cholesterol, which further increases the risk of heart complications.

(However, observational studies are designed to find relevance, but cannot explain the cause and effect — or why The association exists. Their findings do not necessarily tell a complete story when compared to other types of research. Confounding variables.. )

Thankfully, there are many lifestyle changes that can be made to control cholesterol levels during menopause or at any age or stage of life.

Diet can play an important role.Focus on increasing your intake Soluble fiberWhich Can bind to cholesterol And it helps to leave your body via stool.

Enjoy a variety of foods rich in water-soluble fiber, including:

• Leguminosae Beans, green soybeans, chickpeas, legumes, lentils, etc.
• Whole grains like barley and oats
• Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots
• Textile supplements Like a plantain

Also, enjoy foods that are good for your mental health Omega 3 fatty acids Salmon, walnuts, flax, olive oil, avocado, etc.Increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids Can help lower cholesterol levels..

Please note you Saturated fat intake.Excessive saturated fat in the diet from sources such as lean meats, high-fat dairy products, butter Link to Elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

I am protein May have a positive effect About cholesterol levels in postmenopausal people. Enjoy more tofu, edamame, soy nuts and soy milk.

exercise Very beneficial to heart health. The Recommended by the American Heart Association Moderate aerobic exercise and strength training for at least 150 minutes, at least 2 days a week.

finally, smoking Is a major risk factor For heart disease. If you smoke, we recommend that you join a smoking cessation program and consider quitting smoking.

There are some frequently asked questions about menopause and cholesterol.

Can Menopause Cause High Cholesterol?

Menopause does not cause high cholesterol, but it increases the risk.

High cholesterol has many risk factors, including family history, lifestyle, hormones, comorbidity, and the environment.

Does Cholesterol Lower After Menopause?

No, it’s because estrogen levels drop after menopause. Estrogen plays a role in keeping cholesterol low, so lower levels of estrogen can increase cholesterol levels.

It is important to focus on managing cholesterol levels through diet and lifestyle.

How can I lower cholesterol during menopause?

Focus on eating high levels of fiber and healthy fat-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and olive oil. If you don’t have one yet, include an exercise routine. And if you smoke, consider quitting.

During menopause, estrogen levels drop. It is associated with increased cholesterol levels because estrogen helps your body regulate cholesterol and other lipids.

However, there are many lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of postmenopausal heart disease.

These include enjoying a diverse and balanced diet rich in plant-based foods and fatty fish, adopting or maintaining exercise routines, and quitting smoking if you are currently smoking. increase.

Keep in mind that menopause and estrogen depletion are just one of many risk factors. Focus on what is within your control and do your best.