What Causes High Cholesterol in Women?

Hormones play a big role. Before menopause, estrogen helps keep HDL (good cholesterol) higher. After menopause, HDL tends to decline, raising cardiovascular risk. Women who enter menopause early and don’t use hormone replacement therapy have a much higher risk of cardiovascular events within the next 10 years. Studies show women who start estrogen therapy early may maintain healthier lipid levels and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.