KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Women who have had a heart attack or a stroke before the age of 35 have almost double the risk of going into menopause early.
The research was performed in Australia and found that women who had a cardiovascular event before 35 had twice the risk of experiencing menopause at age 45. The average age for menopause is 51.
Studies have shown that early menopause is associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. The study is significant because it shows a strong connection between female hormone levels and a woman's overall health.
According to the author of the study, a lower estrogen level is associated with a higher risk for heart disease, possibly because estrogen helps keep blood vessels and artery walls flexible.
