Matters of the Heart
As they age, men and women differ in one of the most significant aspects of life—matters of the heart. No, not the emotional side of the heart, but the physical side of heart health. For many women in the United States, menopause presents a range of recognized symptoms including hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and vaginal pain and dryness on intercourse. These changes can affect quality of life but seldom are lethal. More insidious are risks of breast cancer and osteoporosis. Yet, heart disease is THE leading cause of death among women in America.
What Does Estrogen Have To Do With Belly Fat?
No one likes belly fat since it usually is a reflection of overall elevated weight. Phrases like “pot belly,” “beer belly,” or “apple shaped” impact both our selfâimage and our relationship to others. While genetics definitely has some effect, evolutionary forces are also at work here. Does the pattern of fat deposition suggest additional health risks? Why do women seem to preferentially gain belly fat during menopause?