Menopause and Cholesterol

Hello! Today I’ll be discussing cholesterol, specifically what happens to it during menopause. This is a very common question.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-soluble compound found in the cell membranes of all animals, including humans. It is easily synthesized in the body from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. On average, our bodies produce about 2.5 grams of cholesterol daily, and an additional 1.5 grams come from food.

Cholesterol is necessary for:

• Maintaining cell membrane stability against various stresses.
• Synthesizing vitamin D and steroid hormones, including adrenal and sex hormones.
• Synthesizing bile acids.

Types of Lipoproteins and Their Role

For all of these important substances to be formed, cholesterol must be delivered to the place of synthesis. This happens through lipoproteins, which can be of high or low density.

• High-Density Lipoproteins (Good Cholesterol) — remove excess cholesterol from tissues and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Low-Density Lipoproteins (Bad Cholesterol) — transport cholesterol to tissues, and when in excess, increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

How Menopause Affects Cholesterol

During menopause, due to a lack of estrogen, the levels of bad cholesterol increase, and the sensitivity of low-density lipoprotein receptors rises. This leads to more cholesterol being transported into tissues, increasing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Other Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol levels are also influenced by genetic factors and the state of carbohydrate metabolism in the body. For example, insulin resistance increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

How to Control Cholesterol Levels During Menopause?

Cardiologists and therapists use the concept of cardiovascular disease risk, which is calculated individually considering age, health condition, and other factors.

If the risk of heart disease is elevated, the doctor sets a target cholesterol level for the patient. For prevention, it’s important to regularly check lipid levels.

How to Combat High Cholesterol During Menopause?

Hormone therapy can help manage negative changes, but it’s also important to adjust your diet, lifestyle, and eliminate risk factors. This often requires consultation with a gynecologist, therapist, and cardiologist.

I hope this information was useful. Thank you for your attention!