Menopause and Heart Health: What Every Woman 40+ Should Know
Menopause and Heart Health are top priorities for Dr. Westford, who cares deeply about the health and well-being of the women we serve. As you enter your 40s and 50s, you may begin noticing changes in your body—hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings—but there’s one area that often goes overlooked during menopause: your heart.
Yes, menopause isn’t just about hormones and hot flashes. It can also increase your risk for heart disease, and we want you to be informed and empowered to protect yourself.
A Wake-Up Call from Oprah
In a recent special, The Menopause Talk, Oprah Winfrey shared a personal experience that hit home for many women. Around age 48, she began having episodes of a racing heart. She went to several doctors and had her heart thoroughly checked—only to learn later that this was actually a common symptom of perimenopause (People.com). Her story is a reminder that even symptoms that seem frightening, like palpitations or a rapid heartbeat, may be tied to hormonal changes during menopause.
And she’s not alone. Many women experience these symptoms and don’t realize they could be menopause-related. That’s why we’re here—to help you make sense of what’s happening and find real, supportive solutions.
What’s the Connection Between Menopause and Your Heart?
As you approach menopause, your estrogen levels begin to decline. Estrogen is more than just a reproductive hormone—it plays a protective role in your cardiovascular system. With less of it in your system, your risk of high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and stiffened arteries may rise, all of which can increase your chances of heart disease (American College of Cardiology).
In fact, studies show that once women enter menopause, their risk of heart problems rises quickly—almost matching the risks men face. What’s more, women who go through menopause with unhealthy habits (like smoking, poor diet, or inactivity) have up to five times greater risk of heart disease than those with healthy lifestyles (New York Post).
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): A Gentle, Natural Option
We understand that the symptoms of menopause can feel overwhelming—both physically and emotionally. That’s why we offer Biote® Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help rebalance your hormones naturally and safely.
Biote uses tiny pellets, placed just under the skin, to release hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. Many of our patients have found relief from symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain—and yes, even heart palpitations.
But beyond helping you feel better, BHRT may also support your long-term heart health. Some studies have shown that starting hormone therapy near the beginning of menopause could have a protective effect on the heart (Science and Humans). As always, hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’ll work closely with you to determine what’s right for your body and health history.
Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
Whether or not you choose BHRT, there are other powerful ways to take care of your heart during this time:
· Move your body regularly—brisk walking, yoga, or swimming can all help.
· Eat more whole foods, especially those rich in fiber and healthy fats.
· Manage stress with breathing techniques, journaling, or meditation.
· Prioritize sleep, even if it takes some trial and error.
· Talk to us if something feels off—like palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Your health is not just about symptoms—it’s about living well, staying active, and feeling strong at every stage of life.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here for You
Menopause is a natural part of life, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. With the right information, support, and care, you can feel more like yourself again—and protect your heart for the years ahead.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like a racing heart, trouble sleeping, or low energy, let’s talk. We’ll help you sort through what’s hormonal, what’s cardiac, and what solutions can work best for you.
Because your heart—and your health—deserve our full attention.
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Works Cited
American College of Cardiology. “Heart Health Declines Rapidly After Menopause.” ACC.org, 1 Apr. 2024, https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2024/04/01/21/39/heart-health-declines-rapidly-after-menopause.
People. “Oprah Winfrey Reveals the Scary Symptom That Was a Sign of Menopause.” People.com, https://people.com/health/oprah-winfrey-menopause-class-maria-shriver-drew-barrymore.
Science and Humans. “BHRT and Cardiovascular Health: Understanding the Connection.” Science and Humans, https://www.scienceandhumans.com/bhrt-and-cardiovascular-health-understanding-the-link-science-humans.
The New York Post. “Heart Disease Risk Higher for Women Who Have These Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits.” NYPost.com, 29 Mar. 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/03/29/health/heart-disease-risk-higher-for-women-who-have-these-unhealthy-lifestyle-habits.
