Menopause and Strokes

Podcast Episode 14 transcript.

Listen to Apple, Spotify, and our website - or wherever you get your podcasts!

Today's podcast aims to understand strokes and how they relate to menopause so that we empower ourselves to make informed decisions about our health.

Strokes can be a daunting topic because of the devastating consequences they can have, but it's so essential to discuss this topic, as the first step for women to reduce their stroke risk is awareness, like Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke. These may include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other warning signs can be sudden confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech, or sudden severe headaches.

There are two types of strokes: ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes.

Ischaemic strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked, typically by a blood clot. Risk factors for an ischemic stroke include ageing, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, and going through early menopause before the age of 40.

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect a woman's cardiovascular system. In the ten years after menopause, the risk of stroke roughly doubles. Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining blood vessel health, so when it starts being lost during menopause, the risk of developing blood clots is increased, which increases the risk of strokes.

Haemorrhagic strokes result from a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding in the brain. These strokes are much less common than ischaemic strokes but can be more severe. Hormonal changes during menopause may weaken blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to rupture. High blood pressure, which sometimes increases during menopause, is also a significant risk factor for haemorrhagic strokes.

A lot has been said in the past about HRT causing blood clots. Studies have shown that HRT tablets can increase the risk of an ischaemic stroke by a small margin, but we now have recent studies that show this is entirely avoided by using patches or gels. In general, if you have a history of a clot, diabetes, migraine or liver disease, you can still safely take HRT in the form of patches or gel.

If a woman on oral HRT is healthy and at low risk for clots, studies have also shown that the added effect of HRT is tiny. We want to reassure you that HRT is much safer than some people realize. If you are unsure of the proper treatment, discuss it with your doctor or menopause health practitioner.

Women in menopause need to prioritize their cardiovascular health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight are crucial for stroke prevention. Managing stress and keeping blood pressure in check is also very important. Consulting with healthcare professionals to monitor and address specific risk factors is a proactive step in taking control and safeguarding your future health.

#radiomenopause

The Link Between Thyroid Function and Menopause

Podcast Episode 13 transcript.

Listen on: Apple, Spotify, Website

Today, I’m talking about the link between thyroid function and menopause.

Thyroid diseases predominantly affect women; their incidence is 5-20 times higher in women than in men.

Does menopause cause thyroid disorders?

It has been documented that oestrogen levels can have both indirect and direct effects on thyroid function. Still, the connection between the two has been an ongoing debate, as studies show that thyroid function reduces naturally as we age and also because symptoms of menopause and hypothyroidism overlap.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature.

The thyroid gland can sometimes be under-active - this is called Hypothyroidism or overactive, which is called Hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is less common and speeds up metabolism to much more than what is needed. This can cause fatigue, sweating, heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and more symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is usually managed by a specialist using medications or surgery.

Hypothyroidism happens when the body makes too little thyroid hormone, which slows the body’s metabolism. This can cause fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, dry skin, changes in libido and forgetfulness.

According to the British Thyroid Foundation, It is common for perimenopausal women to have an underactive thyroid. Studies show that up to 20% of women over the age of 60 might also have an underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is managed by doctors in practice using medication like levothyroxine, which replaces what the body is not naturally producing.

Have you noticed how similar - symptoms from thyroid disorders are to menopausal symptoms?

So, a woman who starts to experience menopausal symptoms (especially under the age of 45) should not simply assume it’s perimenopause. Make an appointment with your doctor for some blood tests, as these are powerful tools that can help determine the source of your symptoms. 

Some women are in perimenopause, in addition to having thyroid problems.

The combination of decreasing oestrogen with thyroid disorders increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues even further, so it’s essential to check your thyroid levels at least once a year.

Having a thyroid problem can make menopause symptoms worse, but if a thyroid disorder is treated and kept in check, there should be no effect on menopause symptoms.

HRT does not change normal thyroid function. If women take ORAL HRT, their doses might need to be adjusted periodically if they are on medication for an underactive thyroid. Patches or gels do not have a similar effect.

Here are some tips to look after your thyroid health:

We advise caution with supplements. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are opposite problems, so the treatment for each condition is very different. Discuss with your GP the possibility of testing your blood for iodine, selenium, and zinc, as many cases of Hypothyroidism lack these elements.

You can look after your thyroid and address any deficiencies by Eating a balanced diet that includes probiotics while reducing processed foods.

Relieving stress by exercising, getting enough sleep, and engaging in self-care activities reduces adrenaline and cortisol, which have a negative effect on the thyroid.

I hope this podcast has helped you understand any connections between thyroid and menopause.

Three Hormones Lost in Menopause

Podcast Episode 12 transcript.

Listen on: Apple, Spotify, Website

Today, I’m talking about the three main sex hormones that, for most women, work harmoniously together during their Premenopause phase: oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. During perimenopause, the levels of these hormones start fluctuating erratically and eventually decline, leading to a range of symptoms.

Premenopausal women mainly produce oestrogen in the ovaries but also in other sites like kidneys, fat cells, skin, and the brain. Oestrogen tells the body when to start and stop processes affecting reproductive and sexual characteristics.

During puberty, a rise in oestrogen leads to the development of secondary sex characteristics like developing breasts and changing body fat distribution or what is known as developing curves.

During the menstrual cycle, oestrogen plays a role in ovulation to encourage the ovaries to release an egg and start to thicken the lining of the uterus, called endometrium, to prepare it for an eventual pregnancy. Oestrogen also helps make intercourse more comfortable, keeping the vaginal walls elastic and lubricated.

With menopause, oestrogen levels drop, eventually stopping ovulation, and symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood changes and hot flushes.

Diminishing oestrogen impacts the rest of the body, too. It leads to increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, reduced bone and muscle mass, and collagen production in the skin. It also negatively impacts brain function, including your ability to focus.

Progesterone is another hormone produced during ovulation. Its primary role is to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, progesterone levels decrease, leading to a menstrual period.

If fertilisation occurs, the body will continue to make large quantities of progesterone for the duration of the pregnancy.

During perimenopause, as hormones fluctuate, low progesterone levels can cause heavier menstrual bleeds. Decreasing progesterone also causes vaginal dryness.

The third hormone is testosterone. In men, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes. In women, it’s produced in various body parts like the ovaries, kidneys, fat, and skin cells. Women’s bodies make around 20 times less testosterone than men.

Progesterone and oestrogen drop dramatically during perimenopause, but testosterone levels decrease gradually from the age of 20 and are halved by the time women reach 40. Decreasing testosterone contributes to low libido and changes in cognitive function and mood while also increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

I will discuss replacement options for all these hormones in future episodes. In the meantime, I hope this episode has helped you understand how these three hormones function and affect the body when their levels decrease.

#radiomenopause