Hormone Therapy's Role in Cardiovascular Health and Insulin Sensitivity

10/29/2024

Does Menopause Elevate the Risk of Heart Disease? 

Various hormonal changes take place when a woman reaches menopause, resulting in an increased risk of coming across heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, as revealed by many studies.

Once a woman reaches menopause, certain hormone levels, such as estrogen, become non-existent. This negatively interferes with the cardiovascular system. The depletion of estrogen levels in females can result in increased artery plaque build-up, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which are potential risk factors for heart disease.

The optimal levels of estrogen in the female body help preserve the elasticity in the blood vessels, function to reduce LDL, commonly known as bad cholesterol, and enable the production of good cholesterol, aka HDL.

Undoubtedly, the optimal levels of estrogen can assist in taking care of overall health. However, as soon as you go into menopause, this process hinders the estrogen levels and makes them almost non-existent in the body. Therefore, using estrogen supplements post-menopause can improve overall health and shrink your risk of developing heart disease.

Every individual has different problems, and so is the treatment. Hence, reach out to a healthcare professional in order to find the treatment that aligns with your health and unique problems.

When you reach menopause, you should definitely opt for estrogen replacement therapy to keep your cardiovascular health in check. 

Is there any Relation Between Hormone Therapy and Insulin Sensitivity? 

There is a wide range of studies that have proven a potential connection between hormone replacement therapy and low insulin sensitivity resistance in women post-menopause.

Later on, the research team carried out an assessment and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials, with a total number of participants of 29,287. Out of all the participants, 15,350 were on hormone replacement therapy of estrogen or estrogen and progesterone. 

Only 13,937 out of all participants who were on HRT got a placebo. People who participated in the study were between the ages of 47 and 75, and the treatment was 8 weeks to 2 years.

These studies disclosed that all the participants had improved insulin sensitivity during menopause with HRT.

When a woman reaches menopause, insulin sensitivity starts declining, which can contribute to fatal high blood sugar levels. As a consequence, the chances of encountering type 2 diabetes are higher.

The recovery brought on by HRT for insulin sensitivity is good news as it lowers your risk of developing diabetes.

Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone medication can contribute to better health by: 

• Managing insulin production

• Regulating body weight and fat distribution

• Minimizing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

The above-listed benefits improve and support metabolic health and hormonal balance.

Should Everyone Go for Hormone Replacement Therapy? 

Most studies concluded positive outcomes with HRT. However, doctors warn that some of these therapies may affect different people differently and may lead to a wide range of side effects. 

Oral HRT preparations possess the potential to cause platelet aggregation, which, as a result, boosts the risk of clotting in small blood vessels as they are commonly metabolized in the liver. Most bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, on the other hand, is absorbed through the skin and doesn’t undergo the process of liver metabolism. Therefore, it doesn’t lead to platelet aggregation. Another advantage of bioidentical hormones is that they are exactly the same as the kind of estrogen produced by the ovary during menstruation.

Tackling vassal-motor symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, mild depression, etc., is a primary goal for 90% of women. Some women may also stumble upon changes in their vaginal tissues which can make sexual activity a little unpleasing and painful due to vaginal dryness. 

According to studies and researchers, the lowest dosage is perceived as the best hormone replacement therapy. The treatment plan should be individualized based on problems, and the treatment should address symptoms effectively. 

HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy, can also be effective in addressing osteoporosis, which is also a major concern during menopause. Opting for HRT for women at high risk for osteoporosis can be effective in tackling bone loss and bone fractures.

Women living with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism/blood clots, breast cancer, ischemic heart disease, and stroke are not considered suitable for hormone replacement therapy. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer with a first-degree connection, such as your mother or sister, especially when you have the BRCAA gene, you are also not suitable for HRT.

The Takeaway:

As listed earlier, HRT can be an effective treatment choice in menopausal women as it helps to restore certain hormone levels, especially estrogen, in the body, which, as a result, helps improve cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity. Estrogen is effective in maintaining the elasticity in the blood vessels, promoting good cholesterol, and reducing bad cholesterol. Therefore, you should opt for hormone replacement therapy when you reach menopause for ideal cardiovascular health. Before you go for any hormone therapy, such as progesterone, estrogen, or testosterone, you must consult your healthcare provider. The medic will carry out a comprehensive analysis of your health in order to find the right treatment based on your symptoms.

FAQs

1. Does hormone therapy help with insulin resistance? 

Insulin sensitivity usually shrinks when you reach menopause, which can contribute to raised blood sugar levels. As a result, your risk of developing type-2 diabetes is high. Opting for HRT at menopause improves insulin sensitivity, which can minimize the risk of coming across diabetes.

2. What hormones affect insulin sensitivity?

Most ovarian hormones affect insulin sensitivity during pregnancy, in menopausal transition, and throughout the menstrual cycle.

3. Which hormone works against insulin?

The following hormones work against the action of insulin: catecholamines, vasopressin, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone, and other counterregulatory hormones. All the above-mentioned hormones play significant roles in maintaining fuel supplies, which include fatty acids, ketones, and glucose in the fasted state.   

4. What are the negative effects of hormone therapy?

Some hormone therapies can result in hot flashes and sweating in both males and females. These ill effects will vanish within a few weeks as soon as the body gets acclimatized to it or when the medication usage comes to an end. If these side effects persist or worsen, please contact your doctor immediately.