Dr Steven R. Goldstein is a past President of the International Menopause Society and a Certified Menopause Practitioner. In private practice in NYC, this Menopause Specialist in NYC has helped thousands of women over decades to help cope with the symptoms of menopause. Menopause can have an impact on cholesterol levels in women. Typically, during menopause, there is a shift in hormonal balance, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen has been shown to have a protective effect on cholesterol levels, helping to maintain higher levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol, and lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as "bad" cholesterol.
Estrogen has also been shown to have vasodilatory effects, meaning it relaxes the blood vessels, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure and improve blood flow. This effect contributes to overall cardiovascular health.
When estrogen levels decline during menopause, this protective effect diminishes, leading to potential changes in cholesterol levels. Specifically, LDL cholesterol levels may increase, which can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
As one of NYC’s leading Menopause doctors, Dr Goldstein points out that post-menopausal women are more vulnerable to heart disease because of the aforementioned effect of estrogen on blood cholesterol levels. Total cholelsterol levels of postmenopausal women are about 25mg/dl higher than in women who have not reached menopause.
It’s important for women to know their numbers – total cholesterol number, HDL (good cholesterol) number and LDL (bad cholesterol) number and the triglycerides number. A total cholesterol number of more than 240 is considered high. Heart attacks are very uncommon in people with cholesterol levels below 150, but that number may be hard to achieve.
An HDL number of 35 and above is good. You do not want to have a number below 35, because too little HDL can allow plaque to accumulate in your arteries. If your HDL number is too low, then try getting more aerobic exercise, at least thirty minutes three or four times a week.
An LDL number below 130 is considered okay. More than 160 is considered too high for your health. Avoid red meat, saturated fats, cheeses and so on. Check with your primary provider and monitor cholesterol levels.
Dr Steven R. Goldstein is also coauthor of the book “The Estrogen Alternative”. He uses hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help menopausal women to cope with all the symptoms of menopause including effects on the skin and hair. If you are a woman suffering through Menopause and experiencing its symptoms, particularly in the skin and hair, then a consultation with Dr Goldstein, a Menopause Specialist in NYC may be appropriate.
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