Menopause has been associated with increases in many cardiovascular risk factors including higher total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure.[1] Longitudinal research has found that HDL levels decrease postmenopausally, and this change appears to be more pronounced among women with a high BMI.[2] Furthermore, menopause has been associated with changes in lipoprotein metabolism and increased inflammation.[3]
The association between menopause timing and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk may be bidirectional, meaning that younger age at natural menopause is considered a marker of increased risk of CVD.[4]
Keep in mind, though, that menopause is not a disease. It is a natural phase of life. Overall the association between menopause and CVD risk is mixed, particularly in otherwise healthy women (e.g., nonsmoking women with a healthy BMI) who transition into menopause at a typical age.[5]