Heart Disease and Menopause

“Before menopause, women have a lower risk of heart
disease than men. But, as women age and their
oestrogen levels fall, their risk of heart disease increases”.1

Umbrella

What may the Heart Disease and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • After Menopause
  • Before Menopause
  • Cardiovascular Disease (CVD
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  • Heart Conditions
  • Heart Disease/s
  • Perimenopause
  • Postmenopause

Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

DotS the definition of heart disease may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition is:

“The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack”.2

Early Menopause

Is there an association between early menopause and heart disease?

Yes. According to the (United States) National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI):

Heart Disease and Menopause“Women who experience early menopause, especially after surgical removal of the uterus, are more likely to develop heart disease than women of the same age who have not yet experienced menopause”.3

Menopause

Heart Disease and MenopauseHeart Disease and MenopauseIs there an association between menopause and heart disease?

In What Is Menopause: Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Before menopause, women have a lower risk of heart disease than men. However, as women age and their oestrogen levels fall, their risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Heart disease is one of the leading cause of death for Australian women. Heart disease also claims three times as many lives as breast cancer”.4

In Menopause and Your Heart: Does Menopause Increase the Risk of Heart Disease? last updated 25 August 2025, the (Australian) Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute note:

“Women tend to develop heart disease later in life than men – largely because they have been protected by the hormone oestrogen, which also plays a crucial role in reproduction.

But, during menopause, which most commonly happens to women aged between 45 and 55, the body starts to produce less of this hormone. Oestrogen helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol profiles.

The decrease in oestrogen levels, which occurs during menopause, can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease”.5

In Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? the NHLBI elaborate on:

  • “Hormone changes may affect a woman’s risk for coronary heart disease. Before menopause, the hormone estrogen provides women with some protection against heart disease. However, as women age, their risk for coronary heart disease increases”.6

Postmenopause

Is there an association between postmenopause and heart disease?

The JH explain:

“After menopause, you may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • An increase in total cholesterol
  • An increase in LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol)
  • A decrease in HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)
  • An increase in blood fats, such as triglycerides”.7

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease?

In Menopause and Your Heart: Can Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Reduce the Risk of Developing Heart Disease? the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute note:

“Some studies have suggested that HRT may have a protective effect by reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. However, other studies have shown that HRT can increase the rates of breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots. Therefore, HRT is not typically prescribed for protective effects against heart disease, but rather, is reserved for women with severe or refractory peri-menopausal symptoms. Therefore, the decision to use HRT should be made after a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider, as it comes with its own risks and benefits”.8

HRT + Heart Disease

Is there an association between HRT, blood clots and a stroke?

In Menopause and Your Heart: Is HRT Safe To Take If I Have Heart Disease? the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute explain:

“The safety of HRT varies from person to person, depending on factors such as age, the type and duration of HRT, and the presence of other risk factors for heart disease, like smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart problems.

It’s essential to consult with your doctor, preferably a cardiologist, to discuss the potential risks and benefits of HRT in your situation”.9 

Heart Disease Prevention

What are the most effective ways to prevent heart disease?

In The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks, published 20 February 2023, the author includes:

“Research suggests the most effective ways to prevent heart disease include not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and keeping cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control”.10

In Menopause and Your Heart: What Can You Do To Lessen Your Risk of Developing Heart Disease During Menopause? the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute elaborate on:

“It’s important for women going through menopause to take proactive steps to maintain and improve their heart health, including:

  • Regular exercise…
  • Following a heart-healthy diet
  • Monitoring cholesterol levels
  • Managing blood pressure
  • A healthy weight
  • Cease smoking
  • Cut back on alcohol
  • Try to get a good night’s sleep”.11

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have heart disease or I have a family history of heart disease?

If you think you have heart disease or you have a family history of heart disease, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – How Do I Find Out If I Am Risk for Heart Disease? You and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership the NHLBI also remind us:

“A crucial step in determining your risk is to see your doctor for a thorough checkup. Your doctor can be an important partner in helping you set and reach goals for heart health. But don’t wait for your doctor to mention heart disease or its risk factors. Many doctors don’t routinely bring up the subject with women patients. Here are some tips for establishing good, clear communication between you and your doctor:

  • Speak Up…
  • Keep Tabs on Treatment…
  • Be Open…
  • Keep It Simple…”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Heart Disease and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Heart Disease and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About Heart Disease In Women
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  4. Be A Force for Change. Know the Signs. Get Your Heart Checked. [Video]
  5. Can You Take Hormone Replacement Therapy If You Have Heart Disease?
  6. Cardiosmart.org
  7. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Heart Attack Warning Signs In Women
  8. Causes and Prevention of Heart Disease
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Menopause and Heart Disease
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series 2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  14. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  15. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  16. Coronary Heart Disease
  17. Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
  18. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease
  19. DASH Eating Plan
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  20. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  21. Diabetes and Heart Disease
  22. Diabetes: Your Heart and Diabetes
  23. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  24. Empoweredtoserve.org [EmPOWERED To Serve]
  25. FAQs: Heart Health for Women
  26. Facts About Women and Heart Disease
  27. Family History
  28. February Is American Heart Month
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  29. Fitness
  30. Getting Serious About Heart Health: Risk Factors for Cholesterol
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  31. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  32. Healthy Diet
  33. Healthy Eating
  34. Healthy Lifestyle
  35. Healthy Living
  36. Heart Disease
  37. Heart Disease In Black Women
  38. Heart Disease In Hispanic Women
  39. Heart Disease In Women: Understand Symptoms and Risk Factors
  40. Heart Disease and Stroke In Women
  41. Heart Disease, Family Health History, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Family Health History and Heart Disease
  42. Heart Disease: About Women and Heart Disease
  43. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  44. Heart Health After Menopause
  45. Heart Health Information In Your Language: Healthy Heart Habits
  46. Heart Health Information In Your Language: Women and Heart Disease
  47. Heart Health and Cholesterol In Menopause
  48. Heart Health for Women [+ Video]
  49. Heart Palpitations
  50. Heart-Healthy Living
  51. Heart-To-Heart: Talking To Your Health Care Professional
  52. Herheart.org [Her Heart]
  53. How Estrogen Supports Heart Health
  54. How To Protect Heart Health At Menopause: 3 Experts Advise
  55. Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life
  56. Know Your Risk
  57. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause
  58. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  59. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  60. Life’s Essential 8
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: Are You Getting Enough Sleep for Your Best Heart Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Menopause and the Heart Connection [+ Video]
  63. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Heart Disease? [+ Video]
  64. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Heart Rhythm Problems Need Attention [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  65. Menopause
  66. Menopause
  67. Menopause
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  68. Menopause
    Menopause and Heart Disease
  69. Menopause Can Bring Increased Cholesterol Levels and Other Heart Risks. Here’s Why and What To Do About It
  70. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  71. Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
  72. Menopause and Heart Health Infographic
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  73. Menopause and Heart Health – 4 Tips for A Healthy Heart While Your Body Is Changing
  74. Menopause and Your Heart
  75. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Menopause and Heart Disease
  76. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024
  77. Menopause: Your Choice of Language
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
  79. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chelation for Coronary Heart Disease: What You Need To Know
  80. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  81. Q&A: Health Changes During Menopause Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Risk
  82. Taking It To Heart: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease In Women [Video]
  83. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks
  84. The Heart Truth
  85. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [September 2024]
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  86. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  87. The Women’s Health Initiative Trials: Clinical Messages
  88. Tips To Keep Stress From Hurting Your Heart
  89. Tips for Women To Prevent Heart Disease
  90. Video: Hormone Therapy Protects Bone, Heart, Brain Health During Menopause
  91. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  92. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Heart Disease, Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease, and Can I Take Hormones?
  94. Webinars: Previous – Recommendations on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  95. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  96. Womenheart.org [WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease, United States]
  97. World Heart Day [29 September]
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  98. World Menopause Day 2023
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  99. World Menopause Day 2023: Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need To Know [Multiply Languages] Heart Disease and Menopause
  100. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health After Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  2. Heart Disease: About Heart Disease. 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/ Accessed: 29 September 2025
  3. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated: 27 December 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#Why-does-coronary-heart-disease-affect-women-differently? Accessed: 29 September 2025
  4. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health After Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  5. Menopause and Your Heart: Does Menopause Increase the Risk of Heart Disease? Last Updated: 25 August 2025. Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  6. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated: 27 December 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#Why-does-coronary-heart-disease-affect-women-differently? Accessed: 29 September 2025
  7. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health After Menopause. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  8. Menopause and Your Heart: Can Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Reduce the Risk of Developing Heart Disease? Last Updated: 25 August 2025. Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  9. Menopause and Your Heart: Is HRT Safe To Take If I Have Heart Disease? Last Updated: 25 August 2025. Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  10. Williamson, L. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks. 21 February 2023 https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/02/20/the-connection-between-menopause-and-cardiovascular-disease-risks Accessed: 29 September 2025
  11. Menopause and Your Heart: What Can You Do To Lessen Your Risk of Developing Heart Disease During Menopause Last Updated: 25 August 2025. Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/menopause Accessed: 29 September 2025
  12. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – How Do I Find Out If I Am Risk for Heart Disease? You and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/heart-disease-not-just-men Accessed: 29 September 2025
Topic Last Updated: 29 September 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 29 September 2025

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