Perimenopausal women are twice as likely to have an overall lower cardiovascular health score than women with regular menstrual cycles, research reveals.
In the study, low cardiovascular health scores were largely driven by significantly higher cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.
Fluctuations in oestrogen levels during perimenopause may contribute to the decline in cardiovascular health.
The analysis included more than 9000 women, aged 18 to 80, who participated in a national study between 2007 and Information was collected through home interviews and a single medical exam. The results were assessed using the American Heart Association’s health metrics.
Perimenopause offers a ‘window of opportunity’ to reassess risk and prompt lifestyle changes, the authors concluded.
Senior author Dr Garima Arora said: ‘Women should talk with their healthcare team about… any changes they are experiencing. It may be the perfect time to get a baseline for their heart health.’
