How does estrogen support cardiovascular health in midlife?

Estrogen plays a powerful and multi-layered role in supporting cardiovascular health during midlife. Here at Alloy, we want you to know that estrogen is not just about reproductive health—it’s a key player in keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy, especially as you transition through perimenopause and menopause.

Here’s how estrogen supports cardiovascular health:

• Cardioprotective Effects: Estrogen helps protect your heart by lowering cholesterol levels and keeping blood vessels flexible and healthy.
• Anti-Inflammatory Action: Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels, which is crucial because chronic inflammation is now recognized as a major contributor to heart disease. By reducing inflammation, estrogen helps prevent the buildup of plaques in arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
• Cholesterol Regulation: Estrogen and cholesterol are closely linked. As estrogen levels drop in midlife, cholesterol levels often rise, increasing heart disease risk. Estrogen therapy can help bring cholesterol back into a healthier range.
• Timing Matters: The benefits of estrogen for heart health are most significant when started before age 60 or within 10 years of your last menstrual period.

If you want to dive deeper into the science and hear directly from experts, check out these resources:

• Watch Dr. Jayne Morgan explain estrogen’s anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels in this YouTube chapter.
• Learn more about estrogen’s protective effects on the heart in this YouTube chapter.
• Read our detailed article: Menopause, Hormones & How to Stay Heart-Healthy During Menopause.

If you’re interested in exploring how menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can support your heart health and overall well-being, visit our solutions page or take our online assessment to get a personalized plan from a menopause-trained doctor.

At Alloy, we’re here to help you thrive through midlife and beyond!

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This answer was created using the following resources:

• Menopause, Hormones & Your Heart: What You Need to Know | Dr. Jayne Morgan - Estrogen’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Blood Vessels
• How Menopause Impacts Your Risk of Heart Disease | Dr. Jayne Morgan - Estrogen’s Protective Effects
• Cardiovascular Health | Alloy
• Alloy | Kudzai Dombo
• Estrogen and Hormones with Dr. Amy Killen
• Estrogen Therapy: Biohacking for Women
• Late-Onset Menopause Explained: Causes & Treatment Options
• Do You Need Menopause Hormone Therapy?
• What is estrogen's role in health?