Medical experts detailed the physiological and metabolic shifts women experience during menopause during a recent broadcast on CNN Brasil [1].
These changes are significant because they alter the body's fundamental response to nutrients and stress, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions. Understanding these transitions allows for more targeted medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments to mitigate long-term damage.
Cardiologist Salete Nacif and gynecologist José Maria Soares Jr. discussed these impacts on the program "Sinais Vitais," hosted by Roberto Kalil [1]. The experts said that the transition into menopause is not merely a reproductive shift but a systemic metabolic event.
One of the primary changes involves the redistribution of body fat. The specialists said that women often experience an increase in visceral fat—the fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity—during this period [1, 2, 3]. This shift is closely linked to the decline of estrogen, which typically helps regulate fat distribution.
Beyond weight gain, the specialists said that women develop insulin resistance [1, 2, 3]. This condition occurs when the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, potentially leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular health also becomes a primary concern during this transition. The experts said that women often experience higher blood pressure as they move through menopause [1, 2, 3]. This increase in blood pressure, combined with metabolic shifts, can place additional strain on the heart and arteries.
By identifying these markers early, healthcare providers can better manage the transition. The discussion emphasized that monitoring blood pressure and glucose levels is essential for women entering this stage of life to prevent more severe cardiovascular events [1].
“Women often experience an increase in visceral fat during this period.”
The shift in medical discourse toward viewing menopause as a metabolic event rather than just a reproductive milestone highlights a growing need for integrated care. Because the decline in estrogen correlates with insulin resistance and hypertension, menopause management is increasingly intersecting with cardiology and endocrinology to prevent chronic disease in aging women.
