Menopause is linked to a progressive increase in total cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein-α, and triglycerides, and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). For some women who have had normal cholesterol levels throughout their lives, this can change with the onset of menopause.
Hormonal shifts, especially the decline in estrogen, often lead to worsening lipid profiles. Lower estrogen levels can cause increases in LDL and triglycerides, which contribute to a rise in total cholesterol. Over time, this accumulation of fats in the blood can raise the risk of heart disease, which is a serious health concern, as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women in the United States.