New Insights on Menopause, Sleep, and Heart Health ❣️

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Welcome to the February 17th edition of Menopaussible—bringing you the news you can use and the ⚡ energy ⚡ you need to support your menopause journey.

I’m Maria Caracci Ciccolella—mindset coach and menopause advocate. (Connect with me ​IG​ or ​​LinkedIn​​!)

In this issue, we continue to focus on matters of the heart—specifically, news and emerging science tied to menopause and its impact on cardiovascular health that was presented at the 2025 Menopause Society meeting. As always, sharing these updates is designed to help you make more informed decisions so you can lead a healthier and more vibrant life.

And if there is someone out there who could benefit from this news as well, please share!

So with that—and with love for you all—let’s jump in.

Pay Attention to Hypertension—Including White Coat Hypertension

In the last issue, we touched upon estradiol’s (estrogen) role in maintaining our overall heart health, highlighting how women can start to experience hypertension (high blood pressure) as levels decline. Nearly half of women have been diagnosed with hypertension, yet less than 1 in 4 have their condition under control.

While hypertension is a risk for both men and women, sex differences play a role. Cardiovascular risk appears to occur at lower thresholds for women—though currently no sex-specific cuts for blood pressure exist. (Stage 1 hypertension is currently defined as 130–139/80–89 Hg).
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One aspect of hypertension grabbing physician’s attention at the meeting: White Coat Hypertension (also referred to as White Coat Syndrome). The name refers to a condition in which a person’s blood pressure is measured as high in a physician’s office or clinical setting, but is otherwise measured as normal when at home or in daily life. In the US, approximately 25–30% of adults suffer from White Coat Hypertension, with women being disproportionately affected.

Stress or anxiety associated when visiting a doctor has been cited as the cause of the condition leading the condition to be dismissed as a response to nerves. However, a new study presented at the Menopause Society meeting challenged that, with findings that linked white coat hypertension to a 36% increased risk of cardiovascular events and double the risk of cardiovascular-related death if left untreated. What was once thought to be benign is now to be considered a much more serious condition.

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​👉 What this means for you: If you see elevated readings during your clinical visit, don’t simply dismiss them, but advocate for follow up and treatment.

Sleep Disruption Is Linked to Higher Hypertension Risk

A new study involving more than 3,500 naturally postmenopausal women concluded that trouble sleeping and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were associated with increased odds of hypertension (61% and 63% higher, respectively) in postmenopausal women. Further, results also suggested a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and hypertension, with both too little and too much sleep associated with increased risk. (A sub-group analysis also revealed that body mass index may influence this association, with stronger effects observed at higher BMI.)

👉 What this means for you: Sleep disruption is common during and after menopause, but a good night’s sleep (7–9 hours) matters more than ever. Employ tools that help encourage sleep and relaxation at night—from wind down routines to breathing exercises or meditation.

If sleep has become difficult despite your best efforts, that’s a signal—not a failure. Consider being evaluated for sleep apnea by a physician—women become more prone to this condition during and after menopause due to declining hormone levels. In fact, 9 in 10 women with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it!

Early Menopause is a Critical Risk Marker

Early menopause is defined as having reached menopause before the age of 45 (average age of menopause onset in the US is 52). This can happen naturally or as a result of a medical intervention that affects both ovaries (e.g., surgery, radiation, etc.). Two studies presented at the meeting examined how early menopause may shape long-term cardiometabolic and brain health.

👉 What these studies mean for you: Each of these studies is a reminder that menopause isn’t just about fertility/reproduction but a critical moment for and predictor of long term (cardiovascular) health. If you (or someone you know) reached menopause before the age of 45, consider asking for earlier, more comprehensive screenings (lipids, glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference)—and engage in heart-healthy interventions (blood pressure control, lipid management, exercise, diet) because these steps protect not just your heart, but your long-term health.

Taken together these findings can feel heavy—but they also offer clarity.

Menopause is Your “Moment” to Shift Direction

Remember: despite all the risks outlined above, we can’t overlook the fact that these studies continue to hand us knowledge we can act on—we have the tools to influence and improve our heart health!

Symptoms are the body’s way of calling us to action—to make decisions and choices for ourselves—to advocate for what we want and what we need. So go on, don’t just show yourself a little love, shower yourself with it—because you have a whole lot of living left to do and you are worth it! 💗