Menopause, a natural phase of a woman’s life, is often accompanied by numerous symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, etc., in addition to other health challenges. But did you know heart health is closely connected with a woman’s overall menopausal journey, from peri to post menopause?
Oestrogen, the female hormone has a protective effect on our arteries, maintaining flexibility and encouraging good cholesterol levels. However, as its level fades during perimenopause and menopause, there is an increased risk of heart diseases, like coronary artery disease, etc.,
Here are a few tips to prepare ourselves, for this unique time:
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limit saturated fats, sugars, and sodium. These heart-healthy foods support overall wellness by regulating cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing arterial flexibility, all important for reducing the risk of a heart disease during perimenopause and menopause.
Stay Active & Maintain a healthy body weight: Regular exercise boosts heart health and helps manage menopausal symptoms like mood swings and weight gain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity or aerobic exercises per day.
Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, a key risk for heart diseases, requires vigilant monitoring during menopause. As the NHS highlights, it puts an extra strain on vital organs, leading to serious health risks. Adults over 40 should have checks every 5 years, a practice that can save lives. Tests can be done at GP surgeries, pharmacies, or at home. Find out more about getting a blood pressure test, here.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can raise blood pressure and affect sleep, another critical factor for heart health. Instead, consider beverages like green tea or matcha tea, which contain antioxidants and may help support cardiovascular health without the negative effects on blood pressure and sleep quality.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress is linked to heart diseases. Explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and can also worsen menopausal symptoms. If you’re struggling to quit, seek support through resources like the NHS, which offers guidance and assistance to help you on your journey to quitting. Find support to quit smoking on the NHS website here.
Consider Promensil Double Strength Tablets: Common menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats have been linked to a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. With 80mg of high-strength, standardised Red Clover Isoflavones, Promensil Double Strength tablets have been studied to help manage symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and restlessness. 9/10 women agree Promensil works for them!
Stay Informed about supplements: Red Clover isoflavones (plant-oestrogens), like those in Promensil, mimic the action of the hormone oestrogen. However, it is important to understand that not all Red Clover supplements are the same. Many contain little or concentrated extracts and therefore do not meet the quality or standards shown in scientific research. Promensil uses only a pharmaceutically standardised botanical extract to ensure biochemical consistency, purity, and quality of phytonutrients in each tablet.
Remember, every woman’s journey through perimenopause to post is different. Hence, regular check-ups, an open dialogue with a healthcare provider, and an informed approach to your wellbeing can pave the way for a healthy heart.