Highlights:
DALLAS, Oct. 13, 2026 — An estimated 6,000 women enter menopause every day in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. Yet many are surprised to learn that the years surrounding menopause can influence everything from sleep and mood to heart and long-term health and quality of life.
During Menopause Awareness Month, the American Heart Association and The Menopause Society are sharing four things healthcare professionals want women to know about menopause and their hearts.
“Many women spend years preparing for pregnancy and motherhood ; yet receive far less information about menopause before it begins,” said Jen Ashton, M.D., M.S., an American Heart Association volunteer and board member, who is double board-certified in OB-GYN and Obesity Medicine and has a master’s degree in nutrition. “Understanding what to expect can help women feel more informed, more confident and better prepared to care for their health during this stage of life.”
The years around menopause are a good time to increase focus on your health
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in women, yet only 4 in 10 women recognize it as their greatest health threat.
Heart disease risk rises for everyone as they age. But for women, the years leading up to and after menopause are a particularly important time to pay attention to health.
Women are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke after menopause, making it even more important to focus on health before menopause and throughout the menopause transition.
While menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, health factors tied to cardiovascular risk often change during midlife, even in women with no previous history of heart-related concerns.
“Menopause represents an important opportunity for cardiovascular disease prevention,” said Chrisandra L. Shufelt, MD, MS, FACP, MSCP, current board member and past president of The Menopause Society.“ By the time women reach menopause, approximately 90% have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and we know that significant cardiometabolic changes occur during the menopause transition. This is an important window to identify risk factors early, address them proactively and help women protect their cardiovascular health for decades to come.”
Perimenopause is when you may experience the most symptoms related to the transition
Many people use the word menopause to describe a long period of change, but menopause is actually a single point in a broader transition.
Perimenopause, which means “around menopause,” can begin before a woman’s final menstrual period and often includes the most noticeable symptoms. Symptoms vary widely and may include menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, palpitations, brain fog and anxiety.
Because these years bring so much change, they can also be an important time to learn more about personal health and discuss concerns with a healthcare team.
Heart health can also change, even if you’ve never had a problem before
Many women enter menopause with no history of heart disease and little reason to think anything related to their heart health is changing. But this is a turning point when heart risk begins to speed up. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol tends to rise, blood vessels can stiffen. That makes this an important window to know your heart health numbers, like blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
Another often-overlooked factor in menopause is kidney health. According to a 2026 American Heart Association scientific statement , menopause and aging can accelerate chronic kidney disease, which is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke risk.
A study of more than 83,000 women ages 50-79 published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that after menopause, an estimated 1 in 4 may develop irregular heart rhythms, known as atrial fibrillation , during their lifetime. Stressful life events and insomnia were also noted as major contributing factors. Depression and sleep disturbances, both common during menopause, have also been linked to increased heart disease risk.
The good news is that awareness creates opportunity. Understanding these changes gives women more information to discuss with their healthcare team and more time to take steps that support long-term health.
There are tools and information to help you through one of life’s most significant changes
Women who have questions about menopause and heart health are encouraged to talk with their healthcare team about their risk factors and ways to prevent cardiovascular disease before, during and after menopause.
Experts from the American Heart Association and The Menopause Society encourage women to:
“There is no one-size-fits-all menopause experience," said Ashton, "Every woman deserves access to information, support and resources that help her make informed decisions and feel her best."
Women can learn more from The Menopause Society at menopause.org, including how to find a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and from the
American Heart Association's Go Red for Women menopause resource center .
“Finding a clinician with expertise in menopause can make an important difference,” Shufelt says, “A menopause practitioner can help identify symptoms related to the menopause transition, provide evidence-based treatment options , and address cardiovascular, metabolic , and bone health to support a woman’s long-term health.”
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About The Menopause Society
The Menopause Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women during the menopause transition and beyond through evidence-based education, professional resources and support for menopause care. Its multidisciplinary community includes clinicians, researchers and other experts in midlife women’s health. Learn more at menopause.org .