Menopause is a huge change. The dramatic shift in your hormone levels can cause all sorts of reactions, from the more familiar hot flashes and mood swings to lesser-known side effects like developing new allergies. It also has an impact on your cardiovascular and brain health. But what difference does it make when menopause comes early (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/early-menopause-heightens-brain-health-risks-from-heart-issues/)?
Most women will undergo menopause some time during their 40s or 50s. This when your estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop. Periods become less regular, and symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness become more common, as do problems with memory and concentration. Eventually, periods stop completely.
There are several reasons that menopause may begin before the age of 45. Sometimes, it’s because of surgery to remove parts of the reproductive system, like the ovaries or uterus. Other times, it can be a side effect of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain hormone medication. It’s more likely if there’s a family history of it. Women with untreated celiac disease are more likely to experience early menopause, as are women who smoke tobacco, are underweight and those who have never given birth. The cause isn’t always clear.
For women who undergo early menopause, the risk of developing complications seems to be higher. Estrogen can serve a protective role when it comes to cardiovascular health. Less estrogen means less protection. Women who are going through menopause, especially when younger, may see changes in their fat mass, cholesterol, vascular tone, insulin resistance and bone density. This puts them at a higher risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and strokes.
On top of this, the latest research suggests that these cardiovascular issues may contribute to brain problems, including conditions like dementia. This could be because blood vessel changes mean poor blood flow to the brain, or it could be related to the role of estrogen in cognitive functioning. We may not understand the mechanisms, but the correlation is worrying (if not yet conclusive).
Lifestyle changes, such as a better diet, more exercise and stopping smoking may reduce menopausal symptoms and the associated side effects. Some women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although this isn’t for everyone. It is clear that the brain, like the heart, is something to keep an eye on as menopause progresses.
