Protecting the heart and brain of menopausal women
Observation
Observation
Safeguarding menopausal women
A woman’s risk of developing heart disease increases considerably during menopause.
Prior to menopause, estrogen and other sex hormones play a protective role on the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
As hormone levels decline, this natural protection diminishes. The impact of this transition on a woman’s vascular and brain health is not completely clear.
Goal
The key to prevention lies in knowledge
Dr. Claudine Gauthier's project investigates how menopause and hormone therapy impact the heart and brain health of women.
Her team uses magnetic resonance imaging to study women between the ages of 30 and 60, categorized according to their hormonal phase and whether they are undergoing hormone therapy or not. Each participant undergoes a series of assessments including cognitive tests, exercise tests, vascular health measurements, and brain scans.
This approach allows Dr. Gauthier to evaluate the impact of hormone loss on blood vessels and assess the role of hormone therapy and an active lifestyle in prevention.
Impact
A tangible impact on women’s health
The same recommendations are often issued to everyone. But it is vital that a woman’s biology be taken into account if we want to find solutions adapted to them. Thanks to this research project, hormone therapy could not only be used to relieve the symptoms of menopause, but also to:
- Prevent cognitive decline
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
Dr. Gauthier’s research provides a new perspective that will increase our understanding of vascular aging and optimize prevention strategies for women’s health.