Menopause & Your Heart Health - What You Should Know

For many years researchers believed that hormone therapy was beneficial for heart health. Medical practitioners routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy to women as a preventative measure for heart disease. However, several important studies, such as the Women's Health Initiative, have cast significant doubt on this practice. In fact, there is substantial evidence that proves hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease. With such information, how can woman protect her heart during menopause? In this article, we'll answer this critical question.

A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman's rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin. Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.

There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease. Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.

Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.

Post menopausal women who exercise regularly are about half as likely to develop diabetes, which is the case with their more sedentary counterparts. Exercise also significantly reduced heart disease. Your heart health is critical, so make exercise an integral part of your lifestyle during menopause. Not only will you feel better physically, but you'll also notice an improvement in your movement. Best of all, you'll love the compliments about how vibrant and fit you look!


There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.

Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!