Menopause and Heart Health: What Every Woman Should Know

Ahh menopause. It’s so hot right now – quite literally, for about three million Australian women. But perimenopause and menopause don’t just bring symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog and mood changes – a woman’s long-term health can also be affected and, more concerningly, their risk of cardiovascular disease can increase.

Thankfully, in the past few years, there’s been a rise in awareness, research, knowledge and support for women going through this important phase of life. So armed with expert guidance, simple health assessments and dedicated products, women can take charge of this major life transition and put their health first.

Why menopause affects more than you think

The conversation around menopause has traditionally focused on the obvious symptoms – those disruptive hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances that can make daily life challenging. But what many women don’t realise is that the hormonal changes occurring during this natural life stage extend far beyond these immediate symptoms.

During menopause, women’s risk of cardiovascular disease can increase significantly. This isn’t meant to frighten – it’s meant to empower. When we understand what’s happening in our bodies, we can take proactive steps to protect our health.

The science behind this connection is straightforward yet significant. As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, women lose some of the protective effects this hormone provides to blood vessels. The result? For some women, rising LDL (bad) cholesterol, falling HDL (good) cholesterol, increased blood pressure, potential weight gain, and reduced insulin sensitivity – all factors that can contribute to an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The knowledge gap that needs closing

Here’s where things get concerning: many women simply aren’t aware of these risks. Women can be so focused on managing the day-to-day symptoms of menopause that the longer-term health implications often fly under the radar. This knowledge gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity – because when women are armed with the right information and support, they can make informed decisions about their health.

A new approach to menopause support

Recognising this need for comprehensive menopause support, some forward-thinking organisations are stepping up to fill the gap. Priceline Pharmacy has launched the Anything Menopause program – an initiative designed to support women through every stage of their menopause journey.

The program addresses the reality that menopause questions don’t come with convenient timing or locations. Whether they’re wondering about symptom management, product recommendations, or health concerns, the goal is to ensure expert advice is accessible when and where they need it.

In a recent interview with AWW about menopause and her latest book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause, Naomi Watts champions community, and research, and acknowledges that in the ’90s there was little to no help available for women: “Doctors are now upping their time in research. Before, doctors had one or two hours of their entire residency allocated to menopause.”  

That’s what makes the Anything Menopause approach particularly noteworthy; the scale and specialisation of the training involved and the ease of access to thousands of health care professionals – with no need for an appointment. More than 3,000 team members, including pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, have undergone specialist menopause training through an exclusive partnership with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

Making health monitoring accessible

The Anything Menopause program complements the free health checks available across nearly 400 Priceline Pharmacy stores. These complimentary health screenings are conducted on a state-of-the-art digital health station. These health stations can measure blood pressure, BMI, diabetes risk, body-fat percentage and more, all completely free and on-the-spot.

Often high blood pressure has no symptoms, so getting a regular health check is a great way to measure and track key health metrics in menopause. Also, given the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes during this life stage, having easy access to these basic health measurements can be genuinely empowering.

Beyond the pharmacy counter

There are now dedicated menopause sections in Priceline Pharmacy stores, making it easier for women to find products specifically designed to address menopause symptoms. Online, there’s a comprehensive menopause content hub providing symptom guidance, product recommendations, and expert advice – resources that can be accessed privately and in their own time.

The bigger picture

What’s encouraging about initiatives like this, is that they reflect a broader shift in how we talk about and support women through menopause. Rather than treating it as something to simply endure, there’s growing recognition that menopause is a natural life stage that deserves proper support, understanding, and resources.

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The ease of access to menopause-trained health professionals and an information hub also allows women to take moment in their lunch break or anytime to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Taking action for your health

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, consider this your gentle reminder to prioritise your cardiovascular health alongside managing your immediate symptoms. This might mean:

Having regular health checks to monitor key indicators such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Speaking with healthcare professionals who understand the specific health considerations of menopause.

Staying informed about the products and treatments available to support your symptoms.

Accessing reliable, evidence-based information about what to expect and how to manage your health during this transition.

Remember, menopause is a natural part of life that affects millions of Australian women. The more we talk about it, support each other through it, and access the right resources, the better equipped we all are to embrace this life stage with confidence and good health.

For more information about menopause support and to access educational resources, visit priceline.com.au or speak with your local Priceline Pharmacy team.

Commercial Content Lead Daniela Bertollo

Daniela Bertollo is the Commercial Content Lead at Are Media, with a career spanning more than 20 years in writing, editing and content strategy for Australia’s most loved food and lifestyle brands. From indulgent recipe pages to thoughtful lifestyle features, she has crafted content that resonates with readers across titles like Better Homes and Gardens, Women's Weekly Food, and Australian Women's Weekly. With a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of what engages Australian audiences, Daniela specialises in creating content that informs, inspires and delights. Outside the office, she’s happiest when she’s partaking in ‘night night negronis’ with her besties, swimming in the ocean and contributing to the creative chaos at home with the family.