Ladies, Let’s Talk About Your Heart—And No, Not Just the One That’s Been Broken
February is Heart Health Month, and while the stores are filled with chocolates and heart-shaped everything, let’s talk about the heart that actually keeps you alive. The one that, unfortunately, starts acting a little extra once perimenopause and menopause roll around.
Yep, if you thought hot flashes and mood swings were the worst of it, buckle up, because our hormones have another surprise: they mess with our hearts too.
Hormones, Menopause, and Your Heart—Oh My!
Once estrogen starts its dramatic exit (seriously, could it be any more dramatic?), it takes a toll on your heart. Estrogen helps keep our arteries flexible, supports good cholesterol levels, and even plays a role in maintaining blood pressure. So when it starts packing its bags, our risk for heart disease goes up.
That means:
✅ Higher blood pressure
✅ Increased LDL (a.k.a. the "bad" cholesterol)
✅ More inflammation (because apparently, menopause is just here to make things spicy)
✅ Higher risk of heart attack and stroke
Fun, right? (Spoiler alert: it’s not.)
But don’t worry—while we can’t force estrogen to stick around like an ex who won’t take the hint, we can take charge of our heart health.
5 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love (That Don’t Involve Chocolate)
1️⃣ Move That Beautiful Body
No, you don’t have to run marathons or turn into a gym rat, but daily movement is key. A brisk walk, yoga, dancing around your kitchen like no one’s watching—it all counts! Aim for at least 30 minutes a day to keep your heart strong and your stress low.
2️⃣ Eat Like You Love Yourself
Your heart loves fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Load up on colorful veggies, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds. Cut back on processed foods and excessive sugar (yes, I know, but do we really need that third donut?).
3️⃣ Manage Stress (Before It Manages You)
If menopause wasn’t enough, life insists on throwing more at us—so stress management is non-negotiable. Try meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or screaming into a pillow (highly underrated, by the way). Your heart will thank you.
4️⃣ Get Some Sleep, Woman!
I know, I know—menopausal sleep is a joke. But quality sleep is essential for heart health. Try magnesium, a wind-down routine, and limit screen time before bed. If all else fails, invest in blackout curtains and a fan big enough to cool a small country.
5️⃣ Check Your Numbers
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar—get them checked regularly. Your heart is way too important to ignore just because you “feel fine.” Knowledge is power, and prevention is queen.
Your Heart Deserves the Same Love You Give Everyone Else
Women are amazing at taking care of everyone else, but our own health? Often an afterthought. This Heart Health Month, let’s change that. Your heart has been beating for you every second of every day—maybe it’s time to start returning the favor.
Ready to take charge of your health? Let’s chat! Book a discovery call and let’s get your heart (and whole body) feeling amazing. 💖
Hormones, Menopause, and Your Heart