Review

Menopause Drives Cholesterol Spikes: Key Window for Heart Protection

This review from Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrates that estrogen decline during the menopause transition causes significant increases in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides independent of chronological aging, with the most pronounced changes occurring within one year of the final menstrual period. Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns combined with regular aerobic or resistance exercise are the recommended first-line interventions, while statins remain the pharmacological standard when lifestyle modifications are insufficient.