Menopause: what changes in the body? Experts explain with Dr. Kalil
With the arrival of menopause, the female body goes through a series of metabolic and hormonal transformations that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The topic was addressed by Dr. Kalil on CNN Sinais Vitais, this Saturday (11), at 7:30 pm, with cardiologist Salete Nacif and gynecologist José Maria Soares Jr., who explained the main changes that occur at this stage of life and the importance of a broad approach to care.
According to José Maria, metabolic changes are among the most relevant during this period. "We see a change, a weight gain and a change in body fat, where more fat begins to accumulate in the abdominal region, which is visceral fat", he stated. Furthermore, women become insulin resistant and can develop diabetes and high blood pressure.
He also highlighted that hot flushes - hot flashes characteristic of menopause - directly harm the quality of sleep. "As a result, they have more insomnia and also a worsening of weight and insulin resistance," he explained. All these factors, together, contribute to an increase in cardiovascular risk during this period of life.
The role of estrogen in cardiovascular protection
Salete explained that estrogen acts as a guardian of blood vessels and the heart. "When a woman goes through menopause, during the menopausal transition, when estrogen is already falling, we lose the function of this guardian," he said. As a result, the vessels become more rigid, the cholesterol profile worsens and women become more predisposed to high blood pressure, diabetes and, consequently, heart attack and stroke - the two diseases that kill the most women in this age group.
The cardiologist also highlighted an important fact: "Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all female cancers combined" and "kills seven times more than breast cancer". Therefore, according to her, it is essential to act with more rigorous prevention at this stage, adequately treating blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and other risk factors, such as sleep.
Holistic approach is essential
For José Maria Soares Jr., treatment during menopause needs to consider all aspects of a woman's life. The specialist reinforced that the period is critical in the lives of patients.
"We have to look at all the parameters: what she eats, what physical activity she does, if she is sedentary, if she smokes, if she drinks alcohol, what her lifestyle is like, the stress she has", he stated. The phase is marked by changes not only bodily, but also emotional, which requires extra attention.
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Source: CNN