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If you’re in perimenopause, you’re probably thinking about a lot of things when it comes to your health — energy, weight, sleep, stress...and of course, your hormones!
But heart health usually isn’t at the top of the list.
And that makes sense. Many women don’t start thinking about their heart until a doctor brings it up, or until a lab value changes. But the reality is, the daily habits you’re practicing right now play a role in supporting your heart health.
But sometimes what seems "heart healthy" might not actually be helping!
Here are a few common heart health mistakes I see women making in midlife:
Only Doing Cardio
If most of your movement is walking, running, or cycling, you’re not doing anything wrong — but you may be missing an important piece. In midlife, strength training becomes especially supportive for blood sugar regulation, metabolism, and overall cardiovascular health. Mixing in strength or short bursts of higher-intensity movement can make a big difference.
Avoiding Fat
Many of us still lean toward low-fat eating because that’s what we were taught for decades. But healthy fats play an important role in heart health! Foods like olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish support a healthy cholesterol and help calm inflammation. Meanwhile, many “low-fat” foods are higher in added sugars, which can work against heart health over time.
Living in Constant “Go Mode”
Stress often becomes background noise in midlife. But ongoing stress directly affects the heart — influencing blood pressure, inflammation, sleep, and blood sugar. As hormones shift, the nervous system can become more sensitive, making stress support just as important as nutrition and movement.
Supporting heart health in perimenopause isn’t about overhauling your life or adding more to your plate.
It’s about:
- Understanding how everyday habits connect to heart health
- Making small, supportive shifts that fit your real life
- Recognizing that prevention starts long before symptoms show up
And when you start there, heart health becomes something you support early, not something you react to later. ❤️
xoxo Kimberly
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, and it is not to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Always consult with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any herbal or dietary supplement or beginning a diet or exercise program. |
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