Recognizing the signs of high cholesterol in women is crucial for maintaining good health, especially for women over 40. Cholesterol plays a vital role in our bodies, forming cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. However, elevated cholesterol levels can lead to severe health issues, such as heart disease. Women at this stage of life should prioritize regular health checks to monitor cholesterol levels and associated risks. By actively managing cholesterol, you can maintain heart health and prevent complications down the road.

What Does Cholesterol Do?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. It serves several important functions in the body:

1. Forms the cell membrane: Cholesterol stabilizes and gives fluidity to the cell membrane, maintaining the structural integrity of cells and allowing them to function properly.
2. Forms hormones: Cholesterol is the starting point for important hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. These hormones regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and reproductive health.
3. Forms vitamin D: Cholesterol is essential in the formation of vitamin D, which supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
4. Forms bile acid: Cholesterol is also modified to make bile acids, necessary for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two main types: HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good” cholesterol, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), known as “bad” cholesterol. Fats (such as cholesterol) can’t dissolve in water, so the body coats them with lipoproteins that can dissolve in water and flow through the blood. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease.

Know your numbers!

A blood test measures cholesterol levels, indicating your heart health, and women over 4o most likely should check their levels. Check with your physician if this is the case.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

High cholesterol doesn’t typically present with obvious signs or symptoms, earning it the name “silent” condition. However, prolonged high cholesterol can lead to heart attack symptoms. Regular blood tests are vital to detect high cholesterol before it leads to severe health issues.

Signs/Symptoms Heart Attack in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, killing 1 in 3 women. Women tend to experience different symptoms during a heart attack compared to men. The default symptom of a heart attack for women is chest pain (or pressure, discomfort), just like in men. However, the pain is not always as severe, making it harder to diagnose. There can even be no chest pain. Other symptoms more common in women include:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper belly discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue
• Heartburn (indigestion)¹

Heart Attack Symptoms: Men Vs. Women

Women often have ‘small vessel disease,’ meaning small arteries close to the heart are affected, impacting small parts of the heart at a time and making symptoms less clear. Men typically have ‘large vessel disease,’ where an artery block kills off the oxygen supply to a large part of the heart, and therefore usually giving men very clear symptoms. This is not always the case, of course.

High Cholesterol and Menopause

First, let’s define menopause, because there can be some confusion with the terminology. Menopause is when the last menstruation occurs, which can only be known 12 months after it happens. After this last menstruation, a woman is post-menopausal. The menopause transition is the period leading up to this last menstruation, which can start at the age of 40, but can be earlier or later too. Another term often used is perimenopause, which includes the menopause transition up to the first year after the last menstruation². If you are interested in reading more about menopause, I can highly recommend “The Menopause Manifesto” by Dr. Jen Gunter (sold in all the main book stores).

What Causes High Cholesterol in Women During Menopause

During menopause, fat tends to deposit around the organs (visceral fat), which is more metabolically active and problematic. As estrogen levels decline, their protective effect on blood vessels diminishes, making them more prone to inflammation and cholesterol deposits.

Recognizing that hormonal changes during menopause significantly impact cholesterol levels and heart health is important. Monitoring cholesterol levels and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle becomes even more critical during and after the menopause transition. By addressing these changes proactively, women can better manage their cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

How to Bring Down High Cholesterol Naturally

Managing cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining heart health, especially as we age. Here are three effective and natural ways to lower your cholesterol:

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Increase fiber intake with foods like oats, beans, and apples.
• Choose healthy fats from avocados, nuts or algae.
• Eat more plant-based foods.

2. Exercise Regularly

• Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, each week.
• Include strength training exercises at least twice a week to improve overall cardiovascular health.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Losing excess weight can help reduce cholesterol levels. Focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss through a combination of healthy eating and regular physical activity.

To discover all six ways to lower your cholesterol naturally, plus more detailed explanations and four bonus high-fiber recipes to get you started, download our FREE PDF guide, “6 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally.”

By recognizing the signs of high cholesterol in women and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can significantly improve your heart health and overall well-being.