Estrogen levels drop when perimenopause and menopause start, and the risk of heart disease increases. This is because estrogen may have heart-protective effects.

Menopause can cause many symptoms, with hot flashes and night sweats being common.

The risk of heart disease, among other health conditions, may also increase as you go through menopause.

In most cases, menopause begins between 45 and 55 years old, with 52 yearsTrusted Source being the average in the United States.

Some people may experience premature, early, or late menopause:

Estrogen may be cardioprotective, or have heart-protecting effects, in the years before menopause.

The exact mechanism of how estrogen protects the heart, however, is unknown. More research is needed on the connection between estrogen and heart disease.

Perimenopause marks the time when the ovaries start to produce less estrogen. Because of the drop in estrogen levels, your heart may be more vulnerable to:

According to 2022 research from the American Heart Association, Black and white women who experience premature menopause (premature ovarian insufficiency) have a 40% higher lifetime riskTrusted Source of developing coronary heart disease than those who don’t experience premature menopause.

The risk of heart disease is lowerTrusted Source if you experience menopause at a later age.

Talk with your doctor if you’ve experienced premature menopause. They can help you take proactive action regarding your cardiovascular health.

Regular checkups and routine scans are important for detecting the signs of heart disease early on.

Daily movement is also important at any stage of life, especially as menopause begins.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommends that adults 65 years and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity cardio each week to reduce the risk of health conditions like heart disease.

This may involve taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood, riding a stationary bike, or doing yoga for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods may also help reduceTrusted Source your risk of heart disease, among other health conditions.

Other ways researchTrusted Source suggests to effectively prevent heart disease include:

  • Maintain a moderate weight: Diet and exercise can help you manage your weight.
  • Get enough sleep: Getting at least 7 hoursTrusted Source of sleep per night is beneficial for health, though the exact number may vary from person to person. Speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing insomnia while in menopause.
  • Maintain cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels: You might want to speak with your doctor about medications to help manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels if other strategies aren’t helping.
  • Avoid or quit smoking: Avoid or quit smoking if you currently smoke. You can speak with your doctor about a smoking cessation program tailored to your needs.

Speak with your doctor before changing your workout routine. They might recommend activities that are good for other health conditions you’re managing.

You might also want to speak with a registered dietitian before changing your diet. They can recommend incorporating certain foods to help you manage menopause symptoms.

Estrogen levels drop during menopause, causing irregular periods during perimenopause and no periods in menopause.

Research suggests estrogen may have a heart-protective effect, which makes your heart more vulnerable to disease when you go through menopause. Your risk increases the earlier you start menopause.

Speak with your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and other health conditions as you transition through menopause.