What are some of the biggest impacts of peri/menopause on a woman’s health?

Heart Health

Estrogen is more than just a hormone regulating the menstrual cycle—it’s also a key protector of heart health. It helps manage cholesterol levels and prevents plaque buildup in the arteries. It also induces the release of Nitric Oxide from your blood vessels, allowing them to dilate and increase blood flow to the heart. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke rises. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, and depression are also linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Awareness of these changes allows women to adopt heart-healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, to reduce risks during this time.

Cognitive Health

Estrogen supports brain health by aiding memory and cognitive function. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, many women experience brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble concentrating. Emerging research suggests that estrogen also protects the brain against aging and conditions like Alzheimer’s. To preserve cognitive health, women can focus on quality sleep, physical activity, stress reduction, and proper nutrition. For some, hormone therapy initiated during perimenopause or early menopause may offer neuroprotective benefits.

Bone Health

Estrogen is critical for maintaining bone density, as it regulates the balance between bone formation and breakdown. The steep decline in estrogen during menopause can lead to accelerated bone loss, significantly increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. In fact, women may lose up to 20% of their bone density within the first 5–7 years after menopause, with half of women over 60 experiencing a fracture. Preventive strategies like weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and hormone therapy can help protect bones and reduce fracture risk.

Metabolic Health

Estrogen plays a vital role in insulin regulation, helping the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Declining estrogen during menopause increases susceptibility to insulin resistance, which can lead to abdominal weight gain, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Proactive measures, such as adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight, are essential during this stage. Additionally, hormone therapy has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 20%, offering another tool for managing metabolic health.

By understanding these impacts, women can make informed decisions about their health and embrace strategies that support long-term well-being during and after the menopausal transition.

Medical Disclaimer 

Yes, I’m a women’s health physician, but I am not currently evaluating you in person, do not have your full medical history, and am unable to comprehensively provide adequate medical decision-making on an individual basis. As such, the information I have shared in this document is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your personal health care provider.