Even though hormone replacement therapy at our Baton Rouge and New Orleans-area clinics isn’t used specifically to address heart health, some studies suggest that short-term use of estrogen to treat menopause symptoms may also lower the risk of heart disease in women. Testosterone replacement, closely monitored by medical professionals, may also have benefits for male patients.
If you’re concerned about these issues, you’re not alone. Women and men from as far as Shreveport, LA, and Jackson and Hattiesburg, MS, come to us to discuss whether hormone replacement therapy can strengthen their health.
Estrogen & Cardiovascular Health
Researchers believe estrogen promotes the health of the heart for a couple of reasons. First, estrogen has beneficial effects on cholesterol. Secondly, it increases the flexibility of blood vessels and arteries, helping blood flow efficiently through the body. Prior to menopause, women typically have the cardiovascular health of much younger men. But as estrogen levels drop significantly after menopause, the rate of heart disease in women increases dramatically.
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Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help?
When monitored closely, hormone replacement therapy is a safe treatment for women who want to minimize symptoms associated with menopause. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 66th Scientific Session in 2017 found that hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial from a cardiovascular standpoint when combined with proper screening and follow-up.
It’s also important to lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of developing heart disease. These can include:
- Avoid or quit smoking.
- Maintain your ideal body weight.
- Exercise aerobically for 30-40 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week.
- Follow a diet low in saturated fat and trans fats (partially hydrogenated fats such as margarine or shortening) and high in fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as beans and peas), fruits, vegetables, fish, and folate-rich foods.
- Treat and control medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure that are known risk factors for heart disease.
Women who have already had a heart attack, or who have a history of heart disease or blood clots, should not participate in hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone & Cardiovascular Health
Researchers have not established a clear relationship between testosterone levels and their effect on heart health. Some studies have indicated the decline in testosterone levels due to age may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease, but the results aren’t conclusive. Testosterone replacement therapy can help men from Lafayette, LA, and throughout the state minimize the effects of andropause, which can include reduced sex drive, weight gain, memory lapses, and lack of energy.
If you have questions about hormone replacement therapy and its relationship to cardiovascular health, request a consultation at one of our 3 locations using the online form or call us at (225) 960-1580.
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