Researchers at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in the United States reported that after menopause, a woman’s heart health can decline rapidly due to lower estrogen levels and relatively higher testosterone. The findings emphasize why cardiovascular risk rises during the postmenopausal years.
Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation, caused by a natural decline in ovarian hormonal function with age. In postmenopausal women, estrogen levels fall while testosterone levels may rise, a hormonal shift linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
To understand estrogen’s protective role, scientists examined data from 579 postmenopausal women. They observed that a reduced estrogen-to-testosterone balance influenced how blood clots form and raised calcium deposition in the coronary arteries. This calcium buildup serves as a key marker for potential heart disease because it signals the likelihood of dangerous plaque development in the arteries supplying the heart.
Atherosclerosis, or the thickening and stiffening of arterial walls, impairs blood flow to vital organs. When atherosclerotic plaques rupture, the risk of heart attack or stroke significantly increases, making early detection and management essential for vulnerable patients.
Experts note that the risk of these vascular changes can rise even in women with no prior history of heart or blood vessel problems. Regular medical checkups after menopause are therefore important to monitor cardiovascular health and catch early signs before serious events occur.
In related developments, scientists have previously identified a gene linked to heart failure in men, underscoring the ongoing effort to understand genetic influences on cardiovascular risk across genders.