Menopause Circulation Problems

Menopause is a naturally occurring biological event that normally takes place in women between the ages of 45 and 55. Sometimes, menopause may be accompanied by circulation problems that occur because of hormonal changes and aging in general.

Definition

• During menopause, a woman's body gradually produces less progesterone and estrogen and menstruation occurs less frequently, eventually stopping completely. Menopause is complete if a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.

Plaque Buildup

• in midlife, women may develop plaque in their arteries, according to Dr. Ni, in his book Second Spring. This is due to a natural increase in cholesterol and a loss of elasticity in the blood vessels.

High Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure is likely to rise around menopause as estrogen decreases and arteries lose elasticity. This can worsen memory loss because high blood pressure can inhibit the proper nourishment of brain cells.

High Cholesterol

• Cholesterol is used to produce hormones like estrogen; however, during menopause hormone production slows down. This natural slowdown allows cholesterol to rise in the blood, which explains why women at menopause and beyond may have high cholesterol for the first time.

Hormone Levels

• Because of increased stress hormone levels during menopause, the heart works much harder; this can cause the heart to race and palpitations. However, if this condition continues it may be a sign of heart disease, which greatly increases after menopause, according to Dr. Ni.