New Delhi, Oct. 13 -- When women think about menopause, they usually expect hot flashes, changing periods, mood swings or sleepless nights. Very few expect their menopause conversation to include their heart. Perhaps it should. Menopause is not a heart disease, nor does declining estrogen alone "cause" cardiovascular disease. But the menopausal transition coincides with important changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, blood sugar regulation and vascular health. Research increasingly suggests this period can be an important window for earlier cardiovascular risk identification.

Why do hormones matter to the heart?

Estrogen does much more than regulate menstruation. It interacts with blood vessels, lipid metabolism and ...