Menopause and Protecting Your Heart

Women in their 30s and 40s are much less likely than men to suffer heart attacks and strokes. However, when natural estrogens decrease after menopause, their risk quickly catches up to that of men. In fact, roughly half of postmenopausal women die of coronary artery disease (CAD) or stroke, making it the leading cause of death in women in this category, according to a report in the American Family Physician.

Although replacing lost estrogen was once believed to reduce cardiac events, new evidence appears to contradict this. In addition, studies show that estrogen therapy alone (as opposed to taking a combination of estrogens along with progestins) dramatically increases the chances that a woman will develop uterine cancer.

Fortunately, there are natural ways for menopausal women to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Soy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently allowed labeling soy-rich foods as “capable of decreasing the risk of heart disease.” This claim is based on studies showing the lipid-lowering effects of soy. An easy way to add soy to your diet is to substitute regular milk and ice cream for soymilk and frozen soy desserts. You can also add tofu to stir-fry vegetables or lasagna.

Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. Observational studies indicate that a higher consumption of vitamins C, E and beta-carotene can lead to lower incidences of ischemic heart disease. In fact, one study even found that perimenopausal women who increase their intake of beta-carotene also have significant reductions in breast cancer risk, particularly among those with a family history of the disease.

Red clover. Along with treating the symptoms of menopause, red cover is sometimes used as an aid to prevent cardiovascular disease. It has been shown to improve arterial function and increase elasticity, both of which decline after menopause.

If you are a woman approaching menopause or are going through menopause now, it is important to discuss your options on how to best address menopause and its symptoms with your healthcare provider—along with how you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Above all else, pray. Consider God’s natural provisions to not only make you feel better but to protect your body from the diseases that can attack you during this life transition.