Perimenopause is often associated with hot flushes, mood swings and sleep changes, but new research suggests it may also be a crucial period for women’s heart health.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women going through perimenopause were twice as likely to have poorer cardiovascular health compared to women with regular menstrual cycles.
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and menstrual cycles become irregular. During this stage, many women experience physical and emotional changes, but experts now say it may also be the ideal time to start paying closer attention to heart health.
Researchers analysed health data from more than 9,000 women across the United States between 2007 and 2020. Using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 score, they assessed factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and body weight.
The findings showed that heart health scores gradually declined as women moved from premenopause to perimenopause and then postmenopause.
Women in perimenopause were found to be:
- Twice as likely to have poor overall cardiovascular health
- 76 per cent more likely to have unhealthy cholesterol levels
- 83 per cent more likely to have poor blood sugar scores
Experts believe fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause may affect blood pressure, insulin resistance, cholesterol and weight regulation, all of which play a role in heart health.
Interestingly, diet received the lowest scores across all reproductive stages, highlighting the importance of nutrition during midlife. Researchers stressed that healthy lifestyle habits during perimenopause could help reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
Doctors say this stage should be treated as a “window of opportunity” for preventive healthcare. Instead of waiting until menopause, women are encouraged to begin regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels earlier.
Heart-healthy habits that may help include:
- Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Reducing excess salt and processed foods
- Exercising regularly
- Prioritising sleep and stress management
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
Experts also highlighted the importance of open conversations around women’s health, as many symptoms linked to perimenopause are often dismissed or normalised.
The study adds to growing research showing that hormonal transitions throughout a woman’s life can significantly influence long-term health. Early awareness and lifestyle changes may play an important role in protecting heart health during and beyond perimenopause.