High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity are known risk factors for heart disease that affect men and women. But did you know women’s reproductive health is also a risk factor?
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team provides comprehensive care for women. We manage all medical needs from reproductive health to heart health, and because February is American Heart Month, we’re calling attention to it here.
Some folks may consider heart disease more of a men’s health issue, so we’re sharing with you five of the reproductive factors that affect heart health in women.
Age of menarche
Menarche is the age you start your period. Studies suggest that the timing of your first period is a risk factor for heart disease. Starting your period before age 10 or after age 17 increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The connection between age of menarche and heart health isn’t clear. However, researchers think it has more to do with social factors and other health issues.
Girls who start their period at a younger age may struggle more with psychological stress and overnutrition and be at greater risk of developing metabolic conditions like diabetes. Girls who start their period in their late teens have high levels of stress hormones and low levels of estrogen, which may affect heart health.
Gynecological health
Gynecological history is also a factor that affects heart health in women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that influences reproductive health, weight, and metabolism. Women with PCOS struggle with issues linked to heart disease — such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of trying. The cause is equally divided between men and women. However, observational studies indicate that women with infertility may be at greater risk of heart disease.
Women struggling with infertility are more likely to have underlying gynecological conditions — like PCOS and endometriosis — that may play a role in the increased risk for heart-related conditions.
High-risk pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is any pregnancy where there’s an increase in health risk for mother or baby. This includes women who develop pregnancy-related health conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy.
These pregnancy health conditions increase a woman’s risk of developing health problems that affect the heart — like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Menopause
Menopause is a normal part of aging, marking the end of menstruation, and the risk of heart disease increases in women after menopause. This higher risk is due to a decrease in estrogen and the health protections the hormone offers.
Lower estrogen levels may increase blood cholesterol and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. It also affects sleep. These factors may negatively affect the heart and overall health.
Understanding the connection between reproductive health and heart disease is important for overall well-being. Our primary care team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists can manage all of your health concerns, whether it’s gynecological or heart-related. Call us today or request an appointment online.
