The Frightening Issue of Menopause and Stroke

Menopausal cerebrovascular disease. It may sound scary, and it can be if you aren't prepared. Let's break it down. Cerebro means head, and vascular relates to blood vessels. However, what does menopause have to do with it? Well, after menopause,  risks of vascular disease increase , including the risk of stroke. Knowing your risk factors and options is key to catching any issues early and ensuring you are as prepared as possible for life after menopause. 

Women make up nearly  60% of all stroke deaths . This frightening statistic is mainly due to the subtlety and ambiguity of symptoms compared to men. The hard and fast rules still apply: drooping face, weakness on one side of the body, and difficulty speaking. However, more general weakness, dizziness, and frequent headaches can also be signs as well. Doctors recommend taking note of any usual changes, as well as voicing the seriousness to healthcare providers, as every minute matters. Quality of life after stroke varies mainly on the speed of treatment. Generally,  women suffer more  compared to men after a stroke due to a delay in care. 

The best way to prevent stroke is to live a healthy, happy life. It seems like plain, common advice, and yet sometimes it needs to be reiterated. The possibility of having a stroke is heavily linked to  risk factors  such as obesity, nicotine use, high cholesterol, and the number one link: high blood pressure. Getting involved in healthy activities like yoga and walking, even in small amounts is highly beneficial. Eating healthier also reduces your risk by managing weight and cholesterol, while increasing your energy levels so you can stay more active. Cutting out smoking (including vapes) helps greatly, and having moderate alcohol consumption  may even slightly decrease your risk  in small amounts. Finally, cholesterol and blood pressure medication, including aspirin,  when used as prescribed  will keep your body regulated to be able to accomplish your daily routine with much greater ease. 

Even if you've taken all the caution in the world, predisposition and other factors, such as  early menopause  can still lead to stroke.  Thermography  is one technology that can be used to further determine your risk. The way it works is by using the heat your body generates to determine if an area is healthy. A lack of heat could mean a loss of blood flow to an area caused by a plaque buildup in the bloodstream. Likewise, excess heat could signal inflammation. After undergoing a screening, a team of thermologists can determine whether you need treatment before symptoms may even arise. 

Menopause is already a difficult enough phase for most women. If you think you might be at risk for a stroke,  contact us  and connect with a physician. We can help alleviate any fears you may have and determine your next steps so you can stay healthy long into the later years of your life.