Menopause linked to increased cardiovascular and neurological risks

Medical specialists are highlighting the significant health risks associated with menopause, specifically regarding cardiovascular and neurological health. In Mexico, cardiologists warn that the menopausal transition can lead to increased cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and abdominal fat accumulation. These hormonal changes favor atherosclerosis, a progressive buildup of fat and calcium in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes without prior symptoms.

Simultaneously, research published in Nature Medicine involving approximately 15,000 women has identified molecular changes in the blood during menopause that correlate with brain aging and cognitive decline. The study found that spontaneous menopause is accompanied by modifications in inflammatory, synaptic, and metabolic processes linked to Alzheimer's disease. These protein changes in the blood appear more closely related to hormonal shifts than to chronological age, suggesting a molecular link between the menopausal transition and long-term neurodegenerative risks.