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Menopause and heart health: why monitoring your waistline matters

One study found that during the menopausal years, a weight gain of over 3.5 kg can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases by up to 27% in comparison to women who weren’t menopausal. The menopausal transition can be tough, especially while living with obesity, but it is important to know about the health issues that can arise during this time. This article explores how obesity and other menopause-related changes can increase the risk of CVD and how these can be effectively managed. 

2 min. read
menopause-and-heart-health-why-monitoring-your-waistline-matters

During the Menopause 1 in 4 women may develop irregular heart rhythms

Oestrogen (a female sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle) can aid in protecting the heart by helping to control cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of fat building up in the arteries. During the menopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen which can lead to structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system that can increase the chances of cardiovascular disease.

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Almost half of all menopausal women are living with obesity

Menopause is often associated with obesity. Hormone changes during, and after the menopause can often lead to changes in body composition, and an increase in abdominal stomach fat. Living with obesity as a post-menopausal woman is challenging but can leave you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can be prevented. The earlier symptoms can include:

  • High blood pressure: This can cause damage to your heart and other major organs in the body if not controlled.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Characterised by high blood glucose (sugar) and can harm the vascular wall of the arteries.

Studies have shown that an increase in waist circumference in postmenopausal women can be a way to assess whether you are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A good tool to do this is the Wast-to-Height Ratio calculator. Based on your input the calculator will give you a value between 0 and 1.  It is advised to aim for a result of less than 0.5.  Try it out here.
 

Check your Waist-to-Height Ratio

Metric Imperial
Metric / Imperial

45% of women experiencing the menopause haven’t spoken to a doctor

Finding time in a busy schedule to manage the impact of menopause and obesity on your health can be difficult but it should be a priority. Speaking to other women and even support groups can be beneficial, there are others going through similar situations. Talking about your journey surrounding menopause, obesity and the health issues that can follow and ensure women receive the best treatment.

The menopausal transition can feel overwhelming, particularly when living with obesity and it can be difficult to know where to start but small lifestyle changes make a huge difference, and seeking help from your doctor. Click here for guidance on how to have a meaningful conversation with your doctor about the effect your health could be having on your heart.
 

References
  1. Kodoth, Varna, et al. ‘Adverse Changes in Body Composition During the Menopausal Transition and Relation to Cardiovascular Risk: A Contemporary Review’. Women’s Health Reports, vol. 3, no. 1, June 2022, pp. 573–81. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1089/whr.2021.0119.
  2. ‘Menopause and Your Heart’. British Heart Foundation, https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/women-with-a-heart-condition/menopause-and-heart-disease.
  3. Raj, Aditya, et al. ‘The Impact of Menopause on Cardiovascular Aging: A Comprehensive Review of Androgen Influences’. Cureus, vol. 15, no. 8, p. e43569. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43569. Accessed 19 June 2025.
  4. Lahey, Ryan, and Sadiya S. Khan. ‘Trends in Obesity and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease’. Current Epidemiology Reports, vol. 5, no. 3, Sept. 2018, pp. 243–51. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-018-0160-1.
  5. Obesity and menopause - ScienceDirect
  6. Ten things to know about ten cardiovascular disease risk factors - ScienceDirect
  7. Ashwell, Margaret. (2011). Charts Based on Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio to Assess the Health Risks of Obesity: A Review. The Open Obesity Journal. 311. 78-84. 10.2174/1876823701103010078. 
  8. Knight MG, Anekwe C, Washington K, Akam EY, Wang E, Stanford FC. Weight regulation in menopause. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):960-965. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001792. PMID: 34033603; PMCID: PMC8373626.
  9. www.goredforwomen.org. (2025). Menopause and Heart Health Infographic. [online] Available at: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/menopause/menopause-and-heart-health-infographic.
  10. The Fawcett Society. (2022). Landmark Study: Menopausal Women Let Down by Employers and Healthcare Providers. [online] Available at: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/news/landmark-study-menopausal-women-let-down-by-employers-and-healthcare-providers.
  11. Cowell, A.C., Gilmour, A. and Atkinson, D. (2024) ‘Support mechanisms for women during menopause: Perspectives from social and professional structures’, Women, 4(1), pp. 53–72. doi:10.3390/women4010005. 
  12. Nappi, R.E., Chedraui, P., Lambrinoudaki, I. and Simoncini, T. (2022). Menopause: a cardiometabolic transition. The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology, [online] 10(6), pp.442–456. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(22)00076-6.

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