Menopausal Women More Likely to Develop High Cholesterol

Menopausal women are more likely to develop high cholesterol because of a drop in estrogen.

While thinking of menopause, women may think of the mood swings and hot flashes. But there are other factors to also consider when it comes to cardiovascular health.

According to Jaelyn Heyliger, PA-C, a certified physician assistant with Mercy Personal Physicians Downtown in Baltimore, estrogen helps keep the levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, low. But it also helps keep blood vessels flexible.

So, when estrogen dips during menopause, the vessels may stiffen. As a result, women have to keep an eye on cholesterol numbers. Heyliger said to start the discussion with a health professional now.

“The big thing is every patient should make sure they’re asking their provider about their [atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease] risk,” Heyliger said. “It’s a calculated percent. Typically, anyone 7% or higher, we’re putting them on a cholesterol medication. There are some that, maybe they have extensive family history, maybe they have a history of stroke or even just an extensive family history of stroke. Then, even if their ASCVD risk score is lower, we may still look at putting them on a statin medication earlier.”

The worst-case scenario, when left unchecked, can include serious health conditions, like a stroke or heart attack. Upon reaching age 40, it’s good to get cholesterol levels checked yearly, Heyliger said, noting that it’s important to mainly eat a Mediterranean diet, and try to focus on getting at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly.

View Mercy physician assistant Jaelyn Heyliger’s interview regarding cholesterol levels and menopause.