TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle in women. Just like during puberty, during menopause hormonal changes also occur. This phase occurs naturally in your 50s, but can occur earlier.
In this phase there is a significant decrease in estrogen levels. According to medical experts, this condition can increase the risk of heart problems and high blood pressure.
“One of the biological factors associated with an increased risk of heart disease is menopause in women. This risk is more pronounced in women who experience premature ovarian failure or in women who have to have their ovaries removed before age 50,” said Dr. Sarika Gupta, Senior Consultant, Robotic Oncology and Gynecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr. Gupta explained that natural estrogens secreted by functional ovaries have a cardioprotective effect against atherosclerosis and ischemia. And because of that, continued Dr. Gupta, the risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease increases after the cessation of the menstrual cycle or menopause.
So, what happens during menopause? When estrogen levels decrease, heart and blood vessels stiffen and lose elasticity. This causes high blood pressure or hypertension. The body tends to be more resistant to insulin, thus making women susceptible to prediabetes.
Dr. Gupta suggested doing replacement therapy hormone (HRT) for women who lost ovarian function before 50 years or women who have severe menopausal symptoms. However, this therapy is not recommended for primary prevention of heart disease after 60 years.
Reporting from Femina India, Thursday, September 30, 2021, every woman must take care of herself to prevent premature menopause. Starting from maintaining healthy living habits, eating nutrient-rich foods, and regular physical activity.
“After menopause, women should be more careful in choosing. Maintaining a healthy weight and doing aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, regular health check-ups, controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol should reduce the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women,” he concluded.
Also read: Sleep Disorders Often Experienced by Menopausal Women other than Hot Flash
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