Until menopause, we women enjoy the so-called “estrogen umbrella,” or greater protection of the heart and blood vessels than men of the same age, precisely due to the action of the female hormone. When this is reduced, there is less protection and we run the same risks as our male counterparts. Lack of estrogen tends to raise the amount of LDL-cholesterol (the “bad” one) and triglycerides in the blood, and reduce the amount of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” one), increasing the risk of formation of atherosclerosis plaques inside the blood vessels. The reduction of blood flow wherever there is a plaque tends to raise the blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to maintain a proper body weight for your age and height through moderate but regular physical activity, and to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Ask your doctor or gynecologist for advice.
