Heart Health in Perimenopause: Protecting Your Most Vital Organ

Perimenopause doesn’t just affect your hormones—it also impacts your heart. As estrogen levels decline, your risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death for women, increases significantly. Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood vessel function. Understanding these changes and taking proactive steps to protect your heart can make all the difference for your long-term health.

I worked with a patient, Susan, who was shocked when her routine bloodwork revealed elevated cholesterol levels during her early 50s. “I’ve always been healthy—what’s changed?” she asked. Through functional medicine testing, we pinpointed the hormonal shifts affecting her heart health. Susan began incorporating heart-healthy foods like salmon, walnuts, and leafy greens, while adding regular walking and yoga into her routine. With these changes, her cholesterol levels improved, and she felt more energized and confident about her health.

Protecting your heart during perimenopause involves a combination of lifestyle changes and monitoring. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants supports cardiovascular health. Regular exercise, even just 30 minutes of walking a day, can help regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. Stress management is also critical, as chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Functional medicine testing can reveal hidden risks, such as inflammation or imbalances in cholesterol levels, allowing for a tailored prevention plan.

If you’re ready to take charge of your heart health, we’re here to help. Call us at 847-362-4476 to schedule a Heart Health Strategy Session, where we’ll assess your risks and design a plan to keep your heart strong and healthy through perimenopause and beyond. Your heart deserves the best care—let’s give it that together.