Why Does Cholesterol Increase at Menopause?
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Why Does Cholesterol Increase After Menopause?
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Estrogen aids in maintaining a healthy balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol. Since estrogen production is highest during child-bearing years, LDL levels will begin to rise as a woman reaches menopause and estrogen is no longer produced by the ovaries. Risk of heart disease increases significantly after age 55 and women over 50 are advised to meet with their gynocologist to see whether it is necessary to talk to a cardiologist. A Study of Women's Health Across the Nation researched from 1995-2004 showed that lipid changes did not occur until the later phases of menopause.
Those with a family history of high cholesterol and those who tend to eat diets high in fat are predisposed to cholesterol problems--particularly menopausal women.
The way that fat is stored and distributed also changes during menopause, with fat frequently moving from the lower body (hips and thighs) to the upper body (stomach). This shift is commonly aligned with and increase in LDL (low density lipoprotein--the bad cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL (high density lipoprotein--the good cholesterol).
The biggest danger of high cholesterol is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This occurs when LDL cholesterol builds up on the blood vessel walls.
Is Age or Menopause to Blame?
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According to the National Institute on Aging, as women age, weight gain is common, which could lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and a change in levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol.
The reason for weight gain in menopausal women, according to a Mayo Clinic study, is that those going through menopause tend to exercise less, which leads to the replacement of muscle with fat--and muscle burns more calories. When a body contains more fat than muscle, the metabolism slows and all of those extra calories you take in become excess weight.
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Methods to Prevent High Cholesterol
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Limit cholesterol intake to 300 mg daily. Make other dietary changes, such as increasing intake of calcium, iron, fiber, fruit and vegetables, cut trans fats and make sure saturated fat intake is less than 7 percent of your daily calories.
The American Heart Association suggests eating oily fish at least twice a week. Women who have been diagnosed with heart disease should consider an omega-3 capsule supplement.
Though 30 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous exercise is always recommended, getting your blood flowing daily is imperative during menopause. Vigorous exercise is preferred to raise your HDL level, and aerobic exercise--jogging, swimming, biking--is preferred. If you are unable to put too much strain on your heart, stick with something less demanding on your body, such as yardwork or housework.
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