Menopause and your heart

The subject of menopause, its symptoms and treatments has become a more prevalent topic in recent years. In this NCSEM online lecture series we will myth bust and outline what the evidence says around aspects of menopause. In this series of three free lunchtime lectures you will hear from leading experts in the field.

The first talk in the series will be delivered by Dr Emma O’Donnell, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University, on Wednesday 8 June at 12:30pm. The talk will discuss menopause and it’s impact on the heart.

Before menopause, cardiovascular disease risk is lower in women than men. After menopause, cardiovascular disease risk increases in women in association with the loss of the cardioprotective effects of estrogen. In this talk Dr O’Donnell will examine the role of estrogen in cardiovascular health in women, and will discuss why replacement of estrogen with hormone therapy during menopause is not indicated for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Dr O’Donnell's primary research interest is centred on the cardiovascular consequences of estrogen deficiency, both in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Specifically, she has investigated the effects of altered menstrual status on vascular function, blood pressure regulation, and heart rate modulation. Her research interests also include investigation of the interactions between sex-hormone status and exercise on cardiovascular health in women.

This talk will be recorded and the recording will be made available online a few days after the event.