• Question: Aren't women preotected from heart disease because of oestrogen?

    Asked by Blanca V to Cristina, Gemma, Loan, Michael, Praveen on 13 Nov 2015. This question was also asked by Cristina Riquelme.
    • Photo: Loan Nguyen

      Loan Nguyen answered on 13 Nov 2015:

      Dear Blanca,
      It is true that there are many research groups claiming that oestrogen is protective against heart disease but there are also scientists who disputes this. The age where women is more likely to be affected by heart disease is after the menopause (about ten years after men) but there are many more changes in a woman’s body than just oestrogen level at this age. These include blood pressure changes, blood cholesterol level changes and aging has a huge affect on body matabolism in general.

      The evidence that scientsist are still unsure about the role of oestrogen and heart protection is the fact that doctors are still cautious about prescribing hormone therapy to women for heart conditions.

      Hope I have answered your question.

      Loan

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