Early Menopause & Cardiovascular Health Link: Expert Shares Tips To Lower Risk

Women in India are getting early menopause more than ever before. While early menopause comes with its own set of cons, there’s another factor one should not overlook. Premature menopause can significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). And if you are not aware about this, then it’s high time you should.

To get an in-depth understanding about this, we spoke to Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi. Let’s take a look at what the expert has to say.

How Early Menopause is Linked To Heart Health

“Early menopause, defined as menopause occurring before the age of 45, can significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Normally, estrogen—a key female hormone — provides protection to the heart and blood vessels. When menopause happens early, this protective effect is lost sooner than usual, exposing women to heart-related risks earlier in life,” explains Dr Vishnoi.

Studies have shown that women who experience early menopause have a 30–50% higher risk of heart disease, compared to those who reach menopause at the typical age of 50–51.

“This increased risk is largely due to the decline in estrogen levels, which affects cholesterol balance, blood pressure, and vascular function. Estrogen helps maintain healthy levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol). It also promotes flexibility in blood vessels, preventing plaque buildup and supporting smooth blood flow. When estrogen declines prematurely, it accelerates atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), increases blood pressure, and contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance — all of which heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes,” shares Dr Vishnoi.

How Estrogen Deficiency Affects Heart Health

Dr Vishnoi explains that estrogen is a crucial hormone for cardiovascular protection. Its deficiency — whether due to natural, surgical, or premature menopause — can disrupt several physiological mechanisms that keep the heart healthy. The expert shares how:

• Cholesterol imbalance: Estrogen increases HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol. When estrogen drops, LDL levels rise and HDL levels fall, leading to cholesterol deposits in arteries. This buildup can narrow or block arteries, causing coronary artery disease.
• Reduced vasodilation: Estrogen stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a compound that helps blood vessels relax and maintain elasticity. Without sufficient estrogen, blood vessels become stiffer and more prone to high blood pressure.
• Inflammation and oxidative stress: Estrogen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Its deficiency increases inflammation and oxidative damage in the blood vessels, which accelerates atherosclerosis.
• Insulin resistance: Low estrogen levels can make the body less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes — another strong contributor to heart disease.
• Abdominal fat accumulation: Postmenopausal women, especially those who experience early menopause, often gain fat around the abdomen. This ‘visceral fat’ is metabolically active and linked to higher risks of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and heart disease.

“In essence, estrogen deficiency disrupts lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and vascular health — creating a perfect environment for cardiovascular complications,” says Dr Vishnoi.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/perimenopause-in-thirties-why-it-is-happening-earlier-than-we-think-12977834556

Tips to Lower Cardiovascular Risks During Early Menopause

Dr Vishnoi shares that while early menopause may increase heart risks, proactive lifestyle and medical interventions can help lower them effectively. Our expert suggests the following tips:

Adopt a heart-healthy diet

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those in nuts, seeds, and olive oil). Reduce processed foods, trans fats, and excess sugar or salt.

Stay physically active

Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) per week, combined with strength training twice a week to improve metabolism and heart function.

Maintain a healthy weight

Abdominal obesity increases heart risks, so regular activity and mindful eating are key.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and damages blood vessels. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, if at all.

Manage stress

Chronic stress raises cortisol and blood pressure. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can support heart and hormonal health.

Get regular health check-ups

Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly.

Ensure adequate sleep

Poor sleep affects blood pressure, weight, and hormonal balance, increasing heart risk.

Why Cardiovascular Follow-up Is Important During Early Menopause

“Regular cardiovascular follow-up is vital for women with early menopause because it allows for early detection and management of risk factors before they progress into serious heart disease. A structured follow-up plan includes periodic checks of blood pressure, cholesterol profile, blood sugar, and body weight. Doctors may also recommend ECG, echocardiogram, or carotid artery ultrasound to assess heart function and detect early signs of vascular stiffness or plaque formation,” suggests Dr Vishnoi.

She adds that early intervention — through lifestyle changes or medication — can dramatically reduce the long-term risks of heart attacks and strokes. Continuous monitoring ensures that any emerging metabolic or vascular changes are addressed promptly.

The Final Verdict

Many women underestimate the link between early menopause and heart health. Routine follow-ups help reinforce awareness, encourage preventive care, and promote heart-healthy habits for life.