{"id":671764,"date":"2026-03-21T15:30:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/671764\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T15:30:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:30:13","slug":"scientists-find-this-controversial-treatment-may-lower-heart-disease-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/671764\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists Find This Controversial Treatment May Lower Heart Disease Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<p>High blood pressure is more likely to strike women after menopause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>A new study looks at how estrogen plays a part in that risk.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Below, experts weigh in and discuss the pros and cons of estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\">Did you know that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a69190458\/high-blood-pressure-causes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:high blood pressure (also known as hypertension);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">high blood pressure (also known as hypertension)<\/a> is more likely to strike women after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a69076977\/what-menopause-does-to-your-body\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:menopause;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">menopause<\/a>? That\u2019s not just another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a64829816\/weird-menopause-symptoms\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:weird menopause symptom;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">weird menopause symptom<\/a> to mark down\u2014it\u2019s pretty serious, especially because heart disease is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a65811319\/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:number one killer of women;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">number one killer of women<\/a> in the United States. Experts are looking into the relationship between menopause and hypertension, and there\u2019s still a lot to learn. However, one factor that is believed to have an impact is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a70165322\/number-one-sign-low-estrogen\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:low estrogen;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">low estrogen<\/a> and the disappearance of the hormone altogether.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Meet the Experts: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjpp.org\/find-a-doctor\/sheryl-ross-md\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Sheryl Ross, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Sheryl Ross, M.D.<\/a>, board-certified ob\/gyn at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.<\/a>, board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.<\/p>\n<p>Menopause is marked by the downward turn, and eventual cessation, of estrogen production, which is crucial to lots of bodily processes, including blood circulation. \u201cEstrogen production helps maintain and protect elasticity in the blood vessels, reduces LDL or \u2018bad\u2019 cholesterol and promotes HDL or \u2018good\u2019 cholesterol production,\u201d explains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjpp.org\/find-a-doctor\/sheryl-ross-md\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Sheryl Ross, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Sheryl Ross, M.D.<\/a>, board-certified ob\/gyn at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica. \u201cLosing these heart health benefits during menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A new study takes a closer look at how estrogen impacts physiological and hormonal pathways, how those processes change after menopause, and how those changes may impact heart health. Below, Dr. Ross and a cardiologist share their thoughts on the findings.<\/p>\n<p>What did the study find?<\/p>\n<p>The study, published in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0025556425002366\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Mathematical Biosciences;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Mathematical Biosciences<\/a>, used a computer-run mathematic model to conduct simulations of blood pressure regulation in post-menopausal women. As women aged, hypertension probability went up, and estrogen appeared to play a part.<\/p>\n<p>The model also predicted that certain types of blood pressure medications (angiotensin receptor blockers) are more effective than others (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) in treating hypertensive women as estrogen levels decline. Researchers didn&#8217;t make direct claims about how supplemental estrogen in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help, but experts say there is potential there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEstrogen has a positive influence on almost every organ system in the body,\u201d says Dr. Ross. \u201cThis study supports the protective effect of estrogen on the vascular system, blood pressure, and, ultimately, cardiovascular disease, before and after, the menopause transition.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She continues: \u201cTaking estrogen therapy can help by bringing back some of the benefits of elasticity and dilation of blood vessels, reducing LDL levels and promoting HDL levels, which support heart health. It\u2019s suggested to start estrogen therapy as you enter menopause for optimal cardiovascular benefits.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.<\/a>, board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA adds that estrogen is also known to lower inflammation in the body.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, there are many contributing factors to cardiovascular disease risk, including lifestyle, family history, and genetics, Dr. Ross notes. HRT is just another layer to consider. More research is needed to determine whether estrogen could be deemed a full-on blood pressure treatment in menopausal women.<\/p>\n<p>Right now, Dr. Chen says the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38688468\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:evidence is mixed;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link rapid-noclick-resp\">evidence is mixed<\/a>, and it varies greatly depending on the HRT formulation. \u201cSome studies show that transdermal [skin-absorbed] estrogen can help to regulate blood pressure in post-menopausal women, however, oral estrogen appears to increase the risk of developing high blood pressure,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n<p>What is estrogen HRT?<\/p>\n<p>HRT is primarily prescribed\u2014in creams and in oral medications\u2014as a treatment for unmanageable menopause symptoms, \u201cincluding hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, burning and pain with or without sex, frequent bladder infections, brain fog, depression, fatigue and loss of libido,\u201d says Dr. Ross. But, as we&#8217;re learning, it could have some secondary benefits\u2014even in addition to heart health.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe secondary benefits of HRT, especially when taken during the first 10 years of going into menopause, are that it improves metabolic health by regulating insulin production, maintaining body weight and fat distribution, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes,\u201d says Dr. Ross. \u201cThese benefits support and improve hormonal balance, cardiovascular, and metabolic health.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The bottom line<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll menopausal and post-menopausal women should talk to their doctors about the benefits and risks of HRT, including those at risk for heart disease,\u201d says Dr. Ross. \u201cThe secondary benefits on heart disease should never be minimized.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She concludes: \u201cTaking HRT and blood pressure medications may interact negatively when taken together, depending on if you are in perimenopause or menopause. Since blood pressure medications help to improve blood flow through blood vessels, and estrogen have similar effects, these medications should be discussed with your healthcare provider team to know if any changes should be considered.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>You Might Also Like<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"High blood pressure is more likely to strike women after menopause. A new study looks at how estrogen&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":671765,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[11],"tags":[189489,5739,278104,53025,283502,283499,283501,210,1691,283500,27989,77193,283498,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-671764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health","tag-blood-circulation","tag-blood-pressure","tag-blood-pressure-medications","tag-blood-vessels","tag-cheng-han-chen","tag-dr-ross","tag-estrogen-production","tag-health","tag-heart-disease","tag-menopausal-women","tag-menopause","tag-providence-saint-johns-health-center","tag-sheryl-ross","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116267884809119545","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=671764"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671764\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/671765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=671764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=671764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=671764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}